Bomb Threats Target Trump’s Cabinet and White House Nominees

Bomb threats have been directed at multiple individuals nominated by Donald Trump for cabinet positions and selections for his White House staff. The FBI confirmed its awareness of “numerous bomb threats” and “swatting incidents,” defining the latter as deceptive calls intended to provoke a police response to a target’s residence. Among those targeted were at least nine individuals selected by Trump to head the Departments of Defense, Housing, Agriculture, and Labor, in addition to his nominee for US ambassador to the United Nations, among other appointees. Law enforcement agencies are conducting investigations into these occurrences, which took place on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, stated that the Trump appointees “were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them.” She further noted that “law enforcement acted quickly to ensure” the safety of the nominees. Leavitt added, “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us.” Neither Leavitt nor the FBI disclosed the names of any of the individuals targeted. Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York whom Trump has designated as the US ambassador to the United Nations, was the initial person to report that her family residence had been subjected to a bomb threat. Her office indicated that the congresswoman received notification of the threat while traveling with her husband and three-year-old son from Washington DC to New York for Thanksgiving. Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Defense secretary, subsequently confirmed that he too had been targeted. He posted on X that a police officer arrived at his home on Wednesday morning, while his seven children were asleep indoors, to inform him of “a credible pipe bomb threat” they had received. He wrote, “I will not be bullied or intimidated. Never.” He continued, “President Trump has called on me to serve – and that is what I intend to do.” Law enforcement sources informed US media that Trump, who survived two assassination attempts during his campaign, was not among the recipients of these hoax calls. However, he has recently been the subject of genuine threats, as reported by Arizona officials who apprehended a man earlier this week for uploading videos “on a near-daily basis” containing threats to kill Trump and his family. Media reports indicate that none of the individuals targeted this week were under the protection of the US Secret Service. Lee Zeldin, Trump’s nominee for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, also confirmed being targeted, stating that a “pipe bomb threat” with a “pro-Palestinian themed message” was sent to his residence. He remarked, “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe.” Zeldin added, “We are thankful for the swift actions taken by local officers.” Brooke Rollins, Trump’s selection to lead the Department of Agriculture, used X to express gratitude to the police in Fort Worth, Texas, for their “swift efforts” in investigating a threat made against her family on Wednesday morning. She wrote, “We were unharmed and quickly returned home.” Scott Turner, Trump’s selection for the Department of Housing, and Lori Chavez-Deremer, his choice for Labor Secretary, similarly announced on social media that they had been targeted. Both individuals pledged not to be deterred by the threats. The White House issued a statement confirming that President Joe Biden has been informed about the incidents. The statement read, “The White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and the President-elect’s team, and continues to monitor the situation closely.” The US Capitol Police, responsible for protecting Congress, stated that it is collaborating with federal law enforcement agencies regarding any “swatting” incidents, but refrained from offering additional details “to minimise the risk of copy-cats.” Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida who recently withdrew from consideration for US attorney general, was also among those targeted. The sheriff’s office in Okaloosa County, Florida, verified that a bomb threat was directed at an address in Niceville. Police reported that the home’s mailbox was cleared, no devices were found, and a search of the surrounding area yielded nothing. New York police informed CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, that the New York residence of Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, also received a threat. According to CBS, Pam Bondi, chosen to succeed Gaetz as Trump’s nominee, was also targeted, as was incoming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Fox News reported that John Ratcliffe, Trump’s nominee for director of the CIA, also experienced threats. Comparable hoax tactics have recently been employed against other prominent political figures, including judges and prosecutors involved in Trump’s criminal cases. Last year, US politicians nationwide were subjected to swatting incidents during the Christmas period. While most were Republican, some Democrats were also targeted.