Conservatives Slam Trump's DEA Nominee Over Troubling Past: This Pick May Not Sit Well with Christians

Chad Chronister, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is facing intense criticism from conservatives, who recall the Florida sheriff’s controversial decision to arrest a Christian pastor for holding church services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the same time, Chronister, who serves as the sheriff of Hillsborough County, reportedly allowed Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters to block traffic and loot stores without significant intervention, fueling further backlash.

One of the most prominent critics, GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, condemned Chronister’s nomination on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest [of] a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns.”

Chronister’s actions during the pandemic drew attention in March 2020 when he held a press conference to announce the arrest of a local pastor. While the charges were eventually dropped, the incident left a lasting impression, especially among conservatives.

At the same time, critics accuse Chronister of showing leniency toward BLM demonstrations that turned destructive, further aggravating tensions with conservatives.

In a detailed post on X, conservative consultant Spence Rogers outlined numerous reasons why Trump should reconsider Chronister’s nomination. Rogers included links to articles to substantiate his claims and listed a series of allegations, including:

• “His office promotes transgendering teens by participating in the Tampa Pride event and created a liaison office for transgenders and other pride affiliates.”
• “Chronister expanded his office’s DEI programs and has been a major proponent of anti-white male discrimination …”
• “In March of 2020, he arrested a local pastor who kept his church open during Covid.”
• “He is a big Democrat donor. He gave money to Democrats Barack Obama, Mayor Jane Castor, Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Congressman Charlie Crist and the DNC.”
• “Chronister is weak on crime. He released a criminal with 35 priors who then went out shortly after his release and murdered someone.”
• “He was weak during the BLM riots, having his deputies stand down as rioters destroyed property, including a gate at the county jail.”

“Conservatives here do not support Chronister,” Rogers asserted. “He is a woke and weak Democrat plant and will backstab President Trump. He cannot be trusted!”

Sean Davis, CEO of The Federalist, echoed similar sentiments, calling Chronister “a woke, BLM-excusing, DEI-enforcing, immigration law-ignoring buffoon.” Davis added on X, “There are thousands of solid sheriffs in this country who are far more qualified to run DEA than this left-wing clown.”

Critics warn that after more than three years of what they describe as a disastrous Biden administration, the nation cannot afford another federal official who selectively enforces laws while advancing progressive policies, including transgender advocacy and DEI initiatives.