President-elect Donald Trump announced on Truth Social his intention to nominate Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister as the next Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Highlighting Chronister's long tenure and dedication to law enforcement, Trump praised his service, stating, "As DEA Administrator, Chad will work with our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to secure the Border, stop the flow of Fentanyl, and other illegal Drugs across the Southern Border and SAVE LIVES," as reported by FOX 13 News.
Sheriff Chad Chronister, whose background includes 32 years with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, was appointed as the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County in 2017 by then-Florida Governor Rick Scott, having been twice re-elected afterwards, according to a FOX 13 News report.
In a display of bipartisan support, Scott described Chronister as "an incredible pick to lead the DEA" in a social media post, referencing his past efforts in combating crime and the fentanyl crisis, and the fact that he had spent over two decades protecting Florida families.
.@ChadChronister is an incredible pick to lead the DEA! When I appointed Chad as Hillsborough County Sheriff in 2017, he had already spent more than 20 years in law enforcement fighting every day to protect Florida families. His work over the last 7 years shows Chad’s dedication… https://t.co/yJxfwAL7A3
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) December 1, 2024
Receiving several recognitions during his time in law enforcement, Chronister is known for the focus on crime reduction and community policing, as per the sheriff's office website. In a statement trumpeting his nomination obtained by News Channel 8, Chronister expressed his deep sense of honor and humility over his opportunity to "serve our nation."
Flanked by support from Florida's current Attorney General, Ashley Moody, who on X congratulated Chronister, saying her "friend and my outstanding sheriff," has been on the frontlines of the opioid crisis. The newly elected Attorney General Pam Bondi is also expected to work closely with Chronister, as Trump pointed out in his announcement. They are tasked with the heavy burden to combat the flow of Mexican fentanyl into the country—a spotlight issue that has claimed numerous headlines and lives, as highlighted in interviews by ABC Action News.
However, as with all nominations, Chronister's appointment must go through confirmation hearings in the Senate, where its fate will be decided.
