Trump Cabinet Nominees Targeted by Bomb Threats and Swatting Incidents
Several of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and White House appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and swatting incidents, according to the FBI. These threats, which involved false emergency calls intended to provoke a heavy police response, affected at least nine individuals nominated for key positions in Trump’s administration.
The targets included Trump’s picks to lead the Departments of Defense, Housing, Agriculture, and Labor, as well as his nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Police are actively investigating the incidents, which occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday.
FBI and Transition Team Respond
Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump’s transition team, described the threats as “violent, un-American acts” aimed at intimidating the nominees and their families. She praised law enforcement for responding quickly to ensure their safety.
“With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” Leavitt said.
Neither the FBI nor the transition team identified the individuals targeted by name, but several have come forward to share their experiences.
High-Profile Nominees Targeted
Elise Stefanik, nominated to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, revealed that her family home was targeted by a bomb threat. Stefanik was informed of the threat while traveling with her husband and young son.
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, confirmed receiving a credible pipe bomb threat. Writing on X, he stated: “I will not be bullied or intimidated. President Trump has called on me to serve—and that is what I intend to do.”
Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, also reported a pipe bomb threat sent to his home, accompanied by a pro-Palestinian message. Zeldin and his family were not at home during the incident.
Brooke Rollins, nominated to lead the Department of Agriculture, thanked police in Fort Worth, Texas, for their swift response to a threat targeting her family. Similarly, Scott Turner, Trump’s pick for Housing Secretary, and Lori Chavez-Deremer, his Labor Secretary nominee, confirmed they had been targeted but vowed not to be deterred.
Wider Security Concerns
While President Trump himself was not targeted in these incidents, law enforcement in Arizona recently arrested a man for making near-daily video threats to kill Trump and his family.
The threats come amid heightened political tensions. Similar swatting incidents have been used against high-profile figures, including judges and prosecutors involved in Trump’s criminal cases. Last year, several politicians across the U.S. were targeted during the Christmas season.
White House and Law Enforcement React
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incidents, and the White House has assured close monitoring of the situation. “The White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and the President-elect’s team,” a statement read.
US Capitol Police confirmed it is working with federal agencies to address the swatting incidents, though it declined to provide specific details to avoid encouraging copycat threats.
Additional Targets
Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew from consideration as Attorney General, was also targeted. Police in Okaloosa County, Florida, cleared a bomb threat at a Niceville address linked to him but found no devices.
Other targets reportedly include Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary, Pam Bondi, the replacement Attorney General nominee, and Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming Chief of Staff. Fox News also reported that John Ratcliffe, Trump’s CIA Director nominee, received threats.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to ensure the safety of Trump’s appointees and their families amid this surge of threats and intimidation.
