A series of alarming threats, ranging from bomb scares to "swatting" incidents, targeted nearly a dozen of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees and appointees late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, prompting a rapid law enforcement response. The attacks represent the latest surge of politically charged threats as Trump prepares to assume office in January.
"These attacks ranged from bomb threats to 'swatting,'" said Karoline Leavitt, Trump-Vance transition team spokesperson and incoming White House press secretary, in a statement. "In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted."
Among those affected were prominent Trump appointees, including John Ratcliffe, nominated to lead the CIA, Pete Hegseth, selected for Secretary of Defense, and Rep. Elise Stefanik, the nominee for UN ambassador. Several others, including Brooke Rollins, chosen for Secretary of Agriculture, and Lee Zeldin, tapped for EPA Administrator, also reported threats.
Zeldin revealed harrowing details in a public statement, saying his home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat accompanied by a "pro-Palestinian themed message." He confirmed his family was unharmed, adding, "We are thankful for the swift actions taken by local officers to keep our family, neighbors, and local community secure."
Rep. Elise Stefanik's office confirmed a similar incident, stating that she, her husband, and their young son were traveling home to Saratoga County, New York, when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence. "We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7," Stefanik's office wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Labor Secretary nominee Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) described her own ordeal on social media, saying, "Last night, my family and I were targeted with a pipe bomb threat at our Oregon home. Thanks to the quick response of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, we are safe."
Former HUD Secretary-designate Scott Turner also disclosed that his home was targeted by a bomb threat on Wednesday. Meanwhile, local authorities in Florida confirmed that a relative of Matt Gaetz, Trump's former nominee for Attorney General, received a bomb threat at a Niceville address. Gaetz no longer resides at the property, and no explosive devices were found.
The FBI issued a statement acknowledging the threats and affirming their seriousness. The FBI "is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees," it said. "We take all potential threats seriously and encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement."
President-elect Trump's transition team condemned the threats as an escalation of politically motivated violence. "With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us," Leavitt said. She emphasized the administration's commitment to unity and public safety, despite the heightened tensions.
The White House confirmed that President Biden has been briefed on the incidents. "The White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and the President-elect's team and continues to monitor the situation closely," a spokesperson said. "Federal law enforcement's response, alongside state and local authorities, remains ongoing. The President and the Administration unequivocally condemn threats of political violence."
The spate of threats comes only months after Trump survived two assassination attempts during his campaign. In July, Trump narrowly avoided a bullet during a rally in Pennsylvania when a would-be assassin fired a shot that grazed his ear. Weeks later, Secret Service agents intercepted another attacker at Trump's West Palm Beach golf course, where the suspect was armed with an AK-47-style rifle.
