Several of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and White House picks have been targeted by bomb threats, prompting an investigation by law enforcement.
The FBI reported being aware of “numerous bomb threats” and incidents of “swatting,” where false calls are made to generate police responses at individuals’ homes. The threats specifically targeted nominees for leadership positions in the departments of Housing, Agriculture, and Labor, as well as Trump’s pick for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, condemned the threats as “violent, un-American acts” aimed at intimidating the nominees and their families. She stated that law enforcement acted swiftly to ensure their safety.
Elise Stefanik, newly nominated as U.N. ambassador, was the first to reveal that her family home had received a bomb threat. She learned about the threat while traveling with her husband and young son for Thanksgiving.
Reports indicate that Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, also faced a bomb threat at his New York residence. While Trump himself did not receive any of the hoax calls, he has recently been the subject of genuine threats, including a recent arrest in Arizona involving a man who posted violent threats against Trump and his family.
Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, confirmed he received a “pipe bomb threat” at his home, which included a “pro-Palestinian themed message.” He expressed gratitude for the swift actions of local law enforcement.
Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for the Department of Agriculture, thanked police in Fort Worth for their prompt investigation into a threat against her family. Both Scott Turner, nominated for Housing, and Lori Chavez-Deremer, nominated for Labor Secretary, also reported being targeted but reaffirmed their commitment to continue serving despite the intimidation.
The White House has stated that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the threats and that they remain in contact with federal law enforcement while monitoring the situation closely.
In Florida, Congressman Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew from consideration for U.S. attorney general, was also a target. Local authorities confirmed a bomb threat in Niceville, but a search revealed no devices present.
The tactics used in these incidents have mirrored recent threats against other political figures, including judges and prosecutors involved in Trump’s criminal cases. Last year, several U.S. politicians—primarily Republicans but also some Democrats—were victims of similar swatting incidents around the Christmas season.
Credit: BBC News
