Following Gates... Trump’s 2nd Term DEA Director Nominee Also Resigns Voluntarily

Chad Chronister, the Hillsborough County Sheriff in Florida, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the next head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), voluntarily resigned on the 3rd (local time). He is the second to step down following former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration for Attorney General amid allegations of soliciting minors.

On the same day, Chronister posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that being nominated as DEA chief was a "once-in-a-lifetime honor," but added, "Given the gravity of this very important responsibility, I have respectfully concluded that I must withdraw my candidacy." He stated, "There is still much work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and many plans I must complete," and expressed gratitude for the nomination and the overwhelming support from the American people. He also added, "I hope to continue serving as Hillsborough County Sheriff."

When Trump announced Chronister's nomination on the 30th of last month, local media described it as a "surprise pick" due to his lack of experience working in federal law enforcement agencies. At the time, Trump introduced Chronister by saying, "He will work with the great Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi to protect the border and prevent fentanyl and other illegal drugs from entering across the southern border, saving lives."

With Chronister’s voluntary resignation, the number of major appointees in Trump’s second administration who have stepped down has risen to two, following former Congressman Gaetz. Gaetz was nominated by Trump as Attorney General on the 13th of last month but withdrew his candidacy after eight days amid growing doubts within the Senate Republican caucus about his confirmation due to allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors.

Within the second administration, which is largely filled with loyalists, many nominees are embroiled in various controversies including sexual scandals, raising speculation that more voluntary resignations may follow.

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and nominee for Secretary of Defense, faces allegations of sexual assault, while Linda McMahon, nominated for Secretary of Education, is under scrutiny due to a sexual abuse lawsuit. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former presidential candidate appointed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, is also facing opposition amid concerns that appointing a ‘vaccine conspiracy theorist’ without relevant expertise to oversee U.S. public health policy could lead to a disaster. Moreover, a former babysitter who accused him of sexual misconduct at her home has announced she is willing to testify before Congress if necessary.

Additionally, although not a cabinet member, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who requires Senate confirmation, has been criticized as unsuitable for the position of Director of National Intelligence (DNI) due to her past pro-Russian and pro-Syrian statements.

Meanwhile, Trump’s transition team signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the federal Department of Justice on the same day. The transition team stated in a press release that "this is the next step in ongoing preparations for senior officials who will serve in the second Trump administration," adding, "This will allow the transition team to submit lists for background checks and security clearances." As a result, transition team staff and senior officials of the incoming administration will be able to access classified federal information before inauguration, and the FBI’s background checks on senior nominees are expected to intensify following standard procedures. Until now, Trump’s team had delayed signing an MOU with the Department of Justice for nearly a month after the election victory, drawing criticism from local media.