Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced his withdrawal from consideration for the position of Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a role he was nominated for by President-elect Donald Trump. The announcement came just 72 hours after the nomination, surprising many in the community and law enforcement circles. In his statement, Chronister expressed that being nominated was an honor, but the weight of the responsibility led him to reconsider. He emphasized his ongoing commitment to his role as sheriff, stating that there is still significant work to be done within Hillsborough County. Chronister's nomination received considerable support from local leaders, including former Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan, who praised his extensive experience and collaboration with the DEA.

This decision reflects Chronister's dedication to local initiatives that he believes are vital to the community, highlighting the challenging balance between local commitments and national responsibilities in law enforcement.