The Trump-Vance transition team revealed Wednesday that multiple Cabinet nominees and administration appointees under President-elect Donald Trump were subjected to life-threatening
incidents, including bomb threats and swatting, on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
“These violent and un-American threats targeted not only the individuals but also their families,” stated Karoline Leavitt, Trump's incoming press secretary. “Law enforcement responded swiftly to ensure their safety, and President Trump, along with the entire transition team, deeply appreciates their prompt action.”
The FBI confirmed its awareness of the incidents, noting that it is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies. “We take all potential threats seriously and urge the public to report any suspicious activity,” the FBI said in a statement.
President Joe Biden condemned the threats, emphasizing the need to reject political violence. A White House spokesperson confirmed Biden was briefed on the situation and that federal authorities are actively monitoring the developments alongside state and local law enforcement.
High-Profile Targets and Responses
Among the targets was New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s nominee for ambassador to the United Nations. Her office reported a bomb threat to her residence while she and her family were en route home for Thanksgiving. Local and federal law enforcement responded promptly, according to her statement.
Lee Zeldin, Trump's nominee for the Environmental Protection Agency, disclosed a pipe bomb threat with a pro-Palestinian message targeting his home. Similarly, Brooke Rollins, nominated for Agriculture Secretary, revealed her home and family were also threatened but remained unharmed.
Other Trump appointees, including Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Labor Secretary), Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary), Scott Turner (HUD Secretary), and John Ratcliffe (CIA Director), reported threats ranging from pipe bombs to bomb scares. Former Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick were also reportedly targeted.
Swatting and the Risks of False Alarms
Swatting, the practice of making false reports to prompt a heavy police response, has increasingly been used against high-profile individuals. Andrew McCabe, a former FBI deputy director, explained the growing prevalence of such threats, noting, “Even when authorities suspect the threats are baseless, they must respond to ensure no real danger is overlooked.”
A law enforcement official familiar with the investigations described such incidents as “routine” for individuals in the public eye. Authorities emphasized that these hoaxes pose not only physical risks but also psychological harm to the individuals and their communities.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The Trump transition team and law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in addressing these threats, with ongoing investigations aimed at identifying the perpetrators. The US Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security have yet to comment publicly on the incidents.
As political tensions persist, both Republican and Democratic leaders continue to denounce acts of violence and intimidation, emphasizing the need for unity and respect in public discourse. Photo by Shinsuke Ikegame, Wikimedia commons.
