The Liberty Score is a rating system assessing how closely an individual’s views align with core Libertarian principles. Scores are based on a 0-100 scale, with 100 representing a fully Libertarian position and 0 representing complete opposition to Libertarian values. The grading criteria include:

  1. Personal Freedom (25 points): Support for individual rights in personal choices, including medical freedom, privacy, and bodily autonomy.
  2. Economic Freedom (25 points): Advocacy for a free-market economy, low taxation, and minimal government interference in business.
  3. Limited Government (25 points): Commitment to reducing the size and scope of government, limiting regulatory power, and upholding states’ rights.
  4. Non-Intervention (25 points): Opposition to unnecessary foreign entanglements, support for a non-interventionist foreign policy, and minimal military presence abroad.

Each category will be scored, then averaged to form the individual’s overall Liberty Score, providing a clear snapshot of their alignment with Libertarian ideals. Grades are provided by AI

Chad Chronister

Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration
Status: Confirmed by Campaign
Liberty Score: 35
Warhawk Status: Neutral

Liberty Score Assessment:

  • Personal Freedom (10/25): As Hillsborough County Sheriff, Chad Chronister enforced strict adherence to public health orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the arrest of Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne for holding large church services in violation of “safer-at-home” orders. This action raised concerns about the balance between public safety and religious freedoms.

  • Economic Freedom (10/25): Chronister’s support for stringent law enforcement measures, including strict drug laws, can lead to increased government spending on enforcement and incarceration, potentially impacting economic freedom by diverting resources from other areas.

  • Limited Government (5/25): His approach to law enforcement emphasizes strong government intervention in regulating personal behavior, which contrasts with Libertarian principles favoring limited government involvement.

  • Non-Intervention (10/25): While primarily focused on domestic law enforcement, Chronister’s aggressive stance on enforcing public health orders and drug laws suggests support for interventionist policies within the U.S., though there is limited information on his views regarding foreign intervention.

Bio: Chad Chronister, the Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Chronister began his law enforcement career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 1992, serving in various capacities including patrol deputy, SWAT operator, and detective in units such as narcotics and intelligence. In 2017, he was appointed Sheriff by then-Governor Rick Scott and was subsequently re-elected in 2018 and 2020. Chronister holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a Master of Science in criminology from Saint Leo University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. His tenure as Sheriff has been marked by a focus on community engagement and innovative law enforcement strategies.

Career Highlights:

  • Sheriff of Hillsborough County (2017–Present): Led one of Florida’s largest law enforcement agencies, implementing programs aimed at crime reduction and community outreach.
  • Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (1992–2017): Served in roles including SWAT operator, narcotics detective, and commander of the Community Outreach Division.
  • Education: Earned advanced degrees in criminal justice and criminology, and completed training at the FBI National Academy.
  • Leadership Roles: Co-Chairman of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region IV Tampa Bay and Vice-Chairman of the Hillsborough County Public Safety Coordinating Council.

About the DEA Administrator Role: The Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration oversees the federal agency responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. The role involves coordinating national drug enforcement efforts, combating drug trafficking, and implementing policies to reduce drug abuse. Chronister’s extensive experience in law enforcement and his leadership in community-focused initiatives position him to lead the DEA’s efforts in addressing the nation’s drug challenges, including the opioid crisis and the flow of illegal drugs across borders.