Chad Chronister, the nominee to run the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chosen by President-elect Donald Trump, has withdrawn his name from consideration.
Sheriff Chronister stated that he considers the opportunity to be “the honor of a lifetime,” but concluded that he must respectfully withdraw from consideration.
The big picture: This is the second individual selected by President-elect Trump to withdraw from consideration for a position requiring Senate confirmation.
- Chronister faced backlash from conservatives due to his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on federal immigration enforcement activities, which led to his nomination being questioned.
- The controversy included a high-profile arrest of a pastor for violating COVID-19 measures and comments on not engaging in federal immigration enforcement activities.
- Concerns were also raised about a video where Chronister praised the diversity of his community and stated that his office does not target individuals based on their immigration status, which was perceived to conflict with Trump’s immigration policies.
