Trump Says He Withdrew Hillsborough Sheriff Chronister From DEA Appointment

President-elect Donald Trump (R) said in a social media post that he was the one to withdraw his pick for administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, despite the sheriff coming out yesterday and sharing his intention to withdraw from the process.

President-elect Trump took a jab at The Wall Street Journal as he viewed their coverage of this story as overblown and shared his reasoning for removing Chronister from consideration.

His rationale for replacing him included the notion that Sheriff Chronister ordered the arrest of a local Tampa pastor during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Wall Street Journal is becoming more and more obnoxious and unreadable. Today’s main headline is: 'Trump’s DEA Pick Pulls Out In Latest Setback.' With all that’s happening in the World, this is their Number One story of the day. Besides, he didn’t pull out, I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters. But, more importantly, what’s my “latest” setback??? I just won the Presidency of the United States! They haven’t written a good story about me in YEARS. Somebody over there ought to look at what they’re doing. The only one worse than them is stupid, China-centric Forbes Magazine!" said Trump.

Yesterday, Chronister shared a message regarding what appeared to be (at the time) his decision to withdraw, describing the appointment as the "honor of a lifetime"  but saying that "there is more work to be done" in the Hillsborough area.

"To have been nominated by President-Elect Donald Trump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime. Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration. There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling," said Sheriff Chronister.

He concluded by saying he is committed to serving Hillsborough County.

"I sincerely appreciate the nomination, outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County," said Chronister.

Should Trump wish to pull from Florida sheriff well once again, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd could be a name to keep in mind.