Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were subjected to bomb threats and “swatting” incidents on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team.
“These violent, un-American threats were directed not only at the nominees themselves but also at their families and households,” Leavitt said in a statement. She added that the threats included bomb scares and “swatting” attacks, both of which are serious crimes that could put lives at risk.
Swatting is a dangerous hoax where someone makes a fake call to law enforcement claiming there’s an emergency, such as a hostage situation or an active shooter. The goal is to provoke a SWAT team or armed police to respond to the scene, which can escalate into potentially deadly encounters.
Law enforcement officials briefed on the threats confirmed that no credible dangers were found. According to three senior officials who spoke to NBC News, no physical bombs or weapons were discovered, and some of the threats were traced back to social media posts. The incidents did not involve U.S. Secret Service protectees, such as Trump or Vice President-elect JD Vance, they added.
The FBI, which is leading the investigation, said in a statement, “We are aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting nominees and appointees of the incoming administration. We are working closely with law enforcement partners to address these cases. We take all threats seriously and encourage the public to report suspicious activity immediately.”
The Trump team did not disclose the exact number of individuals targeted but praised the quick response of law enforcement. “President Trump and the entire transition team are grateful for the swift actions taken to ensure the safety of those involved,” the statement read.
Nominees and Families Face Intimidation
Among those who confirmed they were targeted were several of Trump’s high-profile appointees:
- Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY): Stefanik, nominated to serve as ambassador to the United Nations, faced a bomb threat to her family home. Her office stated that Stefanik, her husband, and their three-year-old son were driving back to New York from Washington, D.C., when they were notified about the threat. New York State Police, local authorities, and Capitol Police quickly secured the area, ensuring the family’s safety.
- Former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY): Zeldin, Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, revealed that his home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat. The message, he said, included pro-Palestinian themes. Zeldin and his family were not at home at the time, and he expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s swift action.
- Brooke Rollins: Rollins, Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Agriculture, tweeted about a threat made against her family’s home. “Thanks to the swift efforts of the @fortworthpd, we were unharmed and quickly returned home,” she wrote.
- Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL): Gaetz, who recently withdrew his nomination as U.S. Attorney General, also reported a bomb scare. A bomb squad was dispatched to his Florida home after initial checks by bomb-sniffing dogs were inconclusive. No devices were found, and the sheriff’s office confirmed the area was clear. Gaetz, who was not at home during the incident, said a family member was present.
- Pete Hegseth: Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Hegseth shared on X (formerly Twitter) that his family was the target of a pipe bomb threat. He said law enforcement cleared the threat and confirmed that his family was safe. “I will not be bullied or intimidated,” Hegseth said. “President Trump has asked me to serve, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
A Broader Pattern of Threats
These incidents are the latest in a growing trend of threats and intimidation tactics targeting political figures. Similar swatting hoaxes and bomb threats have been used in recent years against judges and prosecutors involved in cases against Trump. For example, judges overseeing his civil fraud trial in New York and federal election interference case, as well as special counsel Jack Smith, have faced threats. District attorney offices in Georgia and New York have also been targeted.
These threats not only put officials and their families in harm’s way but also strain local and federal law enforcement resources.
Bipartisan Condemnation
The threats drew condemnation from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the incidents unacceptable. “Violence has no place in our politics. Period,” Schumer posted on X. He also called for law enforcement to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) echoed Schumer’s sentiments, describing the threats as “extremely dangerous and completely unacceptable.” Tuberville added, “Praying for the safety of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees.”
The Biden Administration’s Response
President Joe Biden has also been briefed on the threats. The White House released a statement condemning the incidents and confirming that federal authorities are actively working with state and local law enforcement. “The President and the Administration unequivocally condemn threats of political violence,” the statement read.
Trump Team Stands Firm
Despite these threats, Trump’s transition team made it clear that such intimidation tactics would not derail their plans. “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” Leavitt said in a statement.
As the country navigates a divisive political climate, these incidents highlight the importance of protecting public officials and ensuring accountability for those who attempt to disrupt democratic processes. Investigations into the threats remain ongoing.