President-elect Donald J. Trump has announced his nomination of Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister to lead the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Trump praised Chronister’s record of keeping the community safe and expressed his confidence in the sheriff’s ability to work with Attorney General Pam Bondi in securing the border, stopping the flow of illegal drugs, and saving lives.
Chronister, who has served as sheriff since 2017, is known for his work in law enforcement and has received numerous commendations and awards. He expressed deep humility and excitement at the opportunity to serve as the DEA Administrator. If confirmed, Chronister will be joining Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, in a top position in national law enforcement.
Chronister’s personal life, including his marriage to Nikki DeBartolo, daughter of former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., has garnered attention. The sheriff’s net worth in 2024 was reported to be $24 million. In addition to his law enforcement roles, Chronister is involved in various community organizations and councils.
The nomination comes at a time of scrutiny for the DEA, which has faced corruption scandals and criticism for failing to report human rights violations committed by law enforcement partners in Latin America. If confirmed, Chronister will take over an agency in need of reform and oversight.
Overall, the nomination of Chad Chronister to lead the DEA represents a significant step in Trump’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement and combat drug trafficking across the country. The former sheriff’s experience and background will bring a unique perspective to the agency and potentially lead to meaningful change in the fight against illegal drugs.
Source
Photo credit www.tampabay.com
