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The Trump-Vance transition team reported Wednesday that several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were subjected to violent and "un-American" threats to their lives and the safety of their families on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. These threats ranged from bomb threats to "swatting" incidents.
Karoline Leavitt, who is set to serve as Trump’s press secretary, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the rapid response of law enforcement and other authorities. “President Trump and the entire transition team are grateful for their swift action,” she said.
The FBI acknowledged in a statement that it is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees. The agency is actively collaborating with law enforcement to investigate. "We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement," the statement added.
President Joe Biden was informed about the incidents, and a White House spokesperson reaffirmed the administration's stance against political violence. "The White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and the President-elect’s team and continues to monitor the situation closely," the spokesperson emphasized.
A source from federal law enforcement confirmed that none of the individuals targeted were under the protection of the U.S. Secret Service.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, in an interview, remarked that such threats have become common for high-profile individuals, particularly in controversial positions. "They probably know – 90% sure – that these threats are worthless, but they can’t take the risk of not responding on the off-chance that one real threat gets through," McCabe said.
Swatting is a criminal hoax involving false reports of a crime, such as a mass shooting or bomb threat, aimed at getting law enforcement to respond to a specific location. These types of incidents have targeted a wide range of political ideologies, with figures like Special Counsel Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan, who oversaw the federal election subversion case against Trump, also being victims.
A law enforcement official familiar with the investigations noted that swatting calls are fairly routine and often occur when individuals are in the media spotlight. "It’s pretty routine," the official said of these incidents.
Among the targets was Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who is Trump’s pick for ambassador to the United Nations. She and her family were informed of a bomb threat at their home while traveling for Thanksgiving. Law enforcement, including New York State, County authorities, and U.S. Capitol Police, responded immediately.
The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed their involvement in a statement but refrained from sharing further details to safeguard ongoing investigations. "Anytime a Member of Congress is the victim of a ‘swatting’ incident, we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners," the statement emphasized.
Lee Zeldin, nominated by Trump to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, shared on X that his home was targeted by a pipe bomb threat. "A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message. My family and I were not home at the time and are safe," Zeldin stated.
Brooke Rollins, Trump’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary, also shared that a threat was issued against her family but confirmed that they were unharmed.
Similarly, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's pick for Labor Secretary, revealed that her Oregon home was targeted by a pipe bomb threat, condemning the violence and stating, “This kind of violence harms not just the intended targets, but entire communities.”
Pete Hegseth, selected for Defense Secretary, and Scott Turner, appointed to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, both shared on X that they too had been threatened. Turner and Matt Gaetz, who withdrew as Trump’s pick for Attorney General, both confirmed receiving threats.
Other individuals targeted included John Ratcliffe, Trump’s nominee for CIA Director, and Howard Lutnick, Trump’s choice for Commerce Secretary, both of whom reportedly received bomb threats.
As investigations continue, law enforcement remains committed to identifying those responsible and preventing further harm to these public figures and their families.
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