Trump’s DEA Pick Steps Back: Who Made the Call?

In a surprising turn of events, Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, announced that he won’t be taking the job after all. Those close to the situation might be confused about who really made the decision. Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, stated that he had a change of heart after reflecting on the huge responsibility of the role. However, Trump had a different story. He claimed he was the one who decided Chronister shouldn’t get the job. According to Trump, Chronister’s comments to Trump’s pastors and supporters didn’t sit well with him. Some conservatives had issues with Chronister’s handling of COVID-19 rules and his stance on immigration enforcement. Back in March 2020, Chronister arrested a pastor for holding large church services during the pandemic, which violated the safer-at-home orders. This move earned him criticism from some conservatives, including U. S. Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky. Chronister also faced criticism over comments he made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws. In the video, he praised his community’s diversity and emphasized that his office doesn’t get involved in federal immigration enforcement. Trump has always been firm on his stance to crack down on immigration, making these comments a sore point. Matt Gaetz, one of Trump’s earlier picks for attorney general, also backed out of his position due to a federal sex trafficking investigation that raised concerns about his ability to be confirmed. This leaves the question of whether these withdrawals are based on personal decisions or external pressure.