Conservative supporters of Trump had come out against Chronister, pointing to his enforcement of pandemic-era rules meant to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In March 2020, he arrested the pastor of a Florida mega church for holding religious services in violation of lockdown rules.

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie said he had “disqualified” himself for the role after arresting the pastor. On Fox News, Texas Congressman Chip Roy called Chronister an “authoritarian” and conservative commentator Liz Wheeler called him a “Covid tyrant”.