MAGA Shreds Trump Pick Over ‘Outrageous’ Past
MAGA Shreds Trump Pick Over ‘Outrageous’ Past: ‘Absolutely Disqualifying’
President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has ignited controversy within conservative circles, primarily due to Chronister’s controversial actions during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Trump announced Saturday his intention to nominate Chronister as DEA administrator in his potential second administration, citing plans to collaborate with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to combat drug trafficking and secure the southern border.
They will particularly target fentanyl smuggling, Trump explained.
It is the honor of a lifetime to be nominated by President @realDonaldTrump to serve as the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve our nation. pic.twitter.com/X5lslYyF1U
— Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) December 1, 2024
Chronister’s past decisions, especially his role in arresting a Tampa Bay church pastor during COVID-19 restrictions, have drawn sharp criticism from prominent conservative voices, however.
Chad Chronister is a nutcase. Social distance ON YOUR BOAT???
— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) December 1, 2024
50 feet between boats to stop the spread? You’ve got to be kidding me.
This guy should be embarrassed to show his face in public.
Hard no to him as head of DEA. https://t.co/lqxYvb68MS
Daily Caller reported that in March 2020, under Chronister’s leadership, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne on misdemeanor charges for conducting church services in defiance of public health emergency rules.
Announcing the arrest of Dr. Ronald Howard-Browne, Pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church, who intentionally and repeatedly disregarded state and local public health orders, which put his congregation and our community in danger. pic.twitter.com/1gERVdzyIp
— Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) March 30, 2020
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie voiced strong opposition to the nomination on social media platform X, stating, “I’m going to call ’em like I see ’em. Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns.”
CEO and Co-Founder of the Federalist Sean Davis chimed in to add, “Chronister’s behavior during COVID is indefensible and disqualifying.”
I’m going to call ‘em like I see ‘em. Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns. https://t.co/pHSmGr81Tz
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 1, 2024
The controversy deepened as other conservative figures joined the criticism.
Media personality John Cardillo retracted his initial support for Chronister, labeling him a “COVIDian Sheriff” who collaborated with Andrew Warren, a prosecutor later removed from office by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Deleted my post supporting Chronister as Trump’s DEA Adminitrator pick.
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) December 1, 2024
I completely forgot that Chronister is COVIDian Sheriff who arrested a pastor during services because “COVID” to be prosecuted by Andrew Warren, the Soros funded prosecutor DeSantis removed from Office.
Conservative leaning commentators like Tim Pool highlighted that at the time of the pastor’s arrest, Chronister defended his actions, stating, “His reckless disregard for human life put hundreds of people in his congregation at risk and thousands of residents who may interact with them this week in danger.”
He emphasized that the church had technology available for virtual services.
Let's revisit this after he serves prison time for conspiracy against rights for arresting a pastor during covid lockdowns https://t.co/Fl4JLCBIzO
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) December 1, 2024
You arrested pastors for trying to hold church services.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) December 1, 2024
Why is this pick something anyone against lockdowns or big/deep state celebrate? https://t.co/eTLDy80Nf6
Further scrutiny has emerged regarding Chronister’s decision to release 164 inmates from the county jail in March 2020 as a COVID-19 precaution, per Daily Caller.
Trump’s pick for DEA head Chad Chronister withheld taxpayer money from unvaccinated deputies if they got sick. He gave taxpayer money to vaxxed deputies. Despicable.
— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) December 1, 2024
Please, Pres. Trump, withdraw this nomination. The last thing we need in federal law enforcement is more tyranny. pic.twitter.com/612oj0mnqg
Chad Chronister is a COVID tyrant who arrested a Christian pastor for holding church in person during the pandemic.
— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) December 1, 2024
Chronister held a press conference bragging about the arrest.
Chronister abused his power; he’s unfit to lead the DEA.
Trump should withdraw his nomination. pic.twitter.com/8jXtoPIX8q
The outlet noted that this decision backfired when one released inmate, Joseph Edwards Williams, was arrested the following day for second-degree murder and additional charges including heroin possession.
Daily Caller reported that after Williams’ arrest, Chronister acknowledged the failure, stating, “There is no question Joseph Williams took advantage of this health emergency to commit crimes while he was out of jail awaiting resolution of a low-level, non-violent offense.”
While Chronister expressed gratitude for the nomination on social media, calling it a “deeply humbling” opportunity to serve the nation, both he and Trump’s campaign have not responded to requests for comment by Daily Caller on the mounting criticism at the time of this writing.
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