Nevertheless, some continue to be critical of Chronister’s decision more than four years later, including Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie.
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“I’m going to call ‘em like I see ‘em,” Massie said in a social media post. “Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns.”
“Chad Chronister is a COVID tyrant who arrested a Christian pastor for holding church in person during the pandemic,” said political commentator Liz Wheeler. “Chronister held a press conference bragging about the arrest. Chronister abused his power; he’s unfit to lead the DEA. Trump should withdraw his nomination.”
While Chronister celebrated his nomination on social media, a number of users responded with critical comments.
“Will you be arresting more pastors?” one posted. Another said, “Worst appointment ever made. You arrested a pastor during Covid.”
“You arrested a pastor for holding church services,” said someone else. “That’s about the most unAmerican thing imaginable. In a just world you’d have been put in prison for that.”
Others criticized Chronister for previously appearing in a promotional video for the Tampa Pride Diversity Parade. Chronister referred to the event as “a time for love and unity.”
Still others pointed out that Chronister celebrated the decriminalization of marijuana in Florida.
Nevertheless, some influential Floridians came to Chronister’s defense, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
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“When we removed Soros-backed prosecutor Andrew Warren from office, nobody supported us more strongly than Sheriff Chad Chronister,” DeSantis said. “And when the deposed Soros prosecutor ran to reclaim the office this year, Sheriff Chronister led the opposition to that candidacy and helped ensure the election of tough-on-crime prosecutor Suzy Lopez.”