Several of Donald Trump’s cabinet and White House nominees have become targets of bomb threats and swatting incidents, according to the FBI and Trump’s transition team. The FBI confirmed it is investigating multiple threats and swatting cases, where false emergency calls provoke armed police responses to the victims’ homes.
The threats began on Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday. Elise Stefanik, nominated as US ambassador to the United Nations, revealed that her family home was threatened while she was traveling with her husband and young son for Thanksgiving.
Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, condemned the threats as “violent, unAmerican acts” and praised law enforcement for their quick response. She emphasised that such intimidation will not derail their work. However, specific details of all those targeted have not been released.
New York police confirmed Howard Lutnick, nominated as commerce secretary, was among the targets. Separately, Lee Zeldin, nominated for the Environmental Protection Agency, received a pipe bomb threat accompanied by a “pro-Palestinian message.” Zeldin’s family was not home at the time.
In Texas, Brooke Rollins, Trump’s nominee for agriculture secretary, also reported threats against her family. She thanked local authorities for their swift action in ensuring their safety.
Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, who had recently stepped away from consideration as US attorney general, confirmed his Niceville home was also targeted. Police found no explosive devices after a thorough search. Fox News reported that other nominees, including John Ratcliffe for CIA director and Pete Hegseth for defence secretary, were also targeted.
While Trump himself was not directly threatened, these incidents highlight the rising dangers faced by political figures in today’s divisive climate. The events follow a pattern of threats against judges and prosecutors involved in Trump’s legal cases, raising alarms about increasing hostility in the political landscape. Investigations are ongoing, though no arrests have been announced.
