President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of Chad Chronister as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been met with criticism from several conservatives. They are concerned about the Florida sheriff’s actions during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Chronister, who received praise from colleagues and others after the initial announcement, is facing backlash for his decision to arrest a local church pastor, Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, in March 2020. Howard-Browne was arrested on two second-degree misdemeanors for unlawful assembly and violation of public health emergency rules. Massie called for Chronister to be disqualified as DEA head, stating, “Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest of a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns.”
The Libertarian Party of Mississippi also criticized Chronister in a post on X, while the Hodge Twins, Mike Cernovich, and John Cardillo called out Trump’s choice on social media for his COVID-19 stance at the time of the arrest. Podcaster Tim Pool even called for Chronister to serve prison time.
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
Despite the backlash, Chronister publicly thanked Trump for the nomination, stating, “I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve our nation.” However, Tim Pool believes Chronister should be in prison for his actions.
This guy can’t be the DEA leader @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/OsKOlFmhA0
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) December 1, 2024
Why are conservatives speaking out against Chronister’s nomination? In March 2020, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released 164 inmates to help slow the spread of COVID-19 at the county jail. Chronister stated that the inmates were low-level, non-violent offenders who would be better served at home with their families. But only a day after their release, one of the inmates, 26-year-old Joseph Edwards Williams, was arrested again for multiple charges, including second-degree murder.
Chronister stated, “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. As a result, I call on the State Attorney to prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.” This incident highlights the potential consequences of releasing inmates during a health crisis.
Trump’s choice for DEA discriminated against unvaccinated law enforcement officers under his command. pic.twitter.com/xCEiZWYQyX
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) December 1, 2024
In addition to the inmate release, Chronister was also criticized for arresting Howard-Browne, a local pastor, during services. However, Chronister stated that authorities would never impede on someone’s ability to practice their religious beliefs, but they must do so safely. He also pointed out that the church had access to technology to live stream their services.
Despite these explanations, conservatives are still wary of Chronister’s actions during the COVID-19 lockdowns. They believe it shows a lack of judgment and leadership that should disqualify him from being the head of the DEA.
Deleted my post supporting Chronister as Trump’s DEA Adminitrator pick.
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.
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) December 1, 2024
In response to the backlash, neither Chronister nor Trump’s campaign have commented. However, it is clear that the issue of COVID-19 and how it was handled in the legal system will continue to be a topic of discussion in the upcoming administration.
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
