Trump reveals HE forced Cabinet nominee out in scorched earth attack on the media and critics

Donald Trump revealed in an angry online post that he himself had pulled the plug on his recent pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency — saying he did so because of his actions on COVID lockdowns.

“I took him out,” Trump wrote after Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced his withdrawal.

What Trump didn’t mention is that he announced Chronister’s nomination just two days before the nomination imploded, which begs the question of why he brought the nomination forward in the first place.

Trump’s comments came in the form of an attack on the Wall Street Journal, which hinted at powerful owner Rupert Murdoch even as he continued to fill his administration with people linked to Fox News. The Journal is owned by Dow Jones, a subsidiary of Newscorp, and the Fox Corporation is controlled by the Murdoch family.

“The Wall Street Journal is becoming increasingly obnoxious and unreadable,” Trump began.

“Today’s top headline is: “Trump’s DEA pick withdraws after latest setback.” With everything going on in the world, this is their number one story of the day. Moreover, he didn’t back out, I pulled him out because I didn’t like what he was saying to my pastors and other supporters,” Trump said.

‘But more importantly: what is my “last” setback??? I just won the presidency of the United States! They haven’t written a good story about me in YEARS. Someone out there should watch what they’re doing. The only one worse than them is the stupid China-centric Forbes Magazine!’

Yet another Murdoch publication, the New York Post, quoted a source as saying, “Everyone knows President Trump is in control. The President heard the concerns about Sheriff Chronister and acted accordingly.” Another source said it was “the president’s strong hand that led him to remove his name,” two days after he proposed the nomination.

The stunning withdrawal came with another Trump candidate, Fox News host Pete Hegseth, facing major difficulties in the Senate after Trump put his name forward for defense secretary. There are even reports that Trump is considering taking on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The unrest and criticism of the media came after Trump’s choice to head the Drug Enforcement Administration has withdrawn after MAGA outrage.

Trump and newly elected Vice President JD Vance have made combating the fentanhyl drug epidemic a major priority.

Chronister, the sheriff of Hillborough County, Florida, sparked controversy for ordering the arrest of a pastor for holding church services at the height of the COVID pandemic.

MAGA ally Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who led the charge to push him aside, said he had simply “gone crazy.”

“This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the COVID panic. He was appointed by Trump to head the DEA. “I’m glad he’s withdrawing from consideration,” he said.

“The next time politicians lose their ever-loving spirit, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution.”

Conservative Liz Wheeler called him a “COVID tyrant” who has “abused his power and is unfit to lead the DEA” and urged him to withdraw.

Another conservative influencer, Mike Cernovich, wrote, “Arrest a pastor?! This man couldn’t have much more power.’

In March 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Chronister arrested pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church Rodney Howard-Browne. The agency said he “intentionally and repeatedly hosted church services with hundreds of members in attendance despite knowing he was in violation of the orders of the President, the Governor of Florida, the CDC and the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group.”

Chronister confirmed his decision to step aside in a post on

The sheriff is said to have worked closely with another controversial Trump pick, RFK Jr., who was tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Chronister became Trump’s second pick to withdraw from Cabinet consideration, following former Rep. Matt Gaetz who withdrew after a sex scandal began to plague his chances for confirmation.

Gaetz, an unequivocal supporter of Trump, had earned respect from the newly elected president despite the salacious accusations that followed.

In his statement responding to the decision, Trump said he looked forward to Gaetz’s future career.

“Matt has a bright future and I look forward to seeing all the great things he will do!” he wrote.

Trump has not yet commented on Chronister’s sudden resignation.

“To be nominated by the President-elect to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime,” Chronister said in a statement Tuesday.

“In recent days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility has become apparent, I have concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister continued.

“There is more work to be done for the residents of Hillsborough County and many initiatives I am eager to accomplish. I sincerely appreciate the nomination and the support of the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County.”

Chronister ordered the arrest of Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne of Tampa Bay in March 2020.

He allegedly violated a “safer at home” order for the county.

‘We received an anonymous tip that Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne refused a request to temporarily stop holding large gatherings at his church,” Chronister said at a press event announcing the arrest.

“And instead he encouraged his large congregation to meet in his church.”

He further called it a “reckless disregard for public safety.”

The pastor ultimately supported Chronister’s bid for the DEA position in a stunning reversal.

“All’s well, the sheriff and I are friends, he’s doing a great job in Hillsborough County,” he said on X after Trump’s decision to nominate him.

“I believe He and Pam Bondi will do a great job cleaning up the mess.”

But it wasn’t enough to save Chronister’s chances for Senate confirmation.

His shock departure came just days after his appointment by the president-elect, who praised his numerous accolades.

“I am pleased to nominate Sheriff Chad Chronister as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA),” Trump wrote in a Nov. 30 post on Truth Social.

“For more than 32 years, Sheriff Chad Chronister has served the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and has received numerous awards and accolades for keeping his community SAFE.”

“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,” Trump declared.

Bondi was nominated to fill the position of attorney general after Gaetz’s departure.

She is the former attorney general of Florida and has been on Capitol Hill this week to meet with senators and shore up support for her bid.