NEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team reported that several of his key Cabinet nominees and appointees have received bomb threats and have been the targets of swatting attacks. The FBI is currently investigating these incidents.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, stated, “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, un-American threats to their lives and those who live with them.”
Swatting, a tactic that involves sending law enforcement to a person’s address under false pretenses, and bomb threats have become increasingly common in recent years. Leavitt expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by law enforcement to protect those affected.
Among those threatened are New York Representative Elise Stefanik, nominated as ambassador to the United Nations; Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick for attorney general; Oregon Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, slated to lead the Department of Labor; and former congressman Lee Zeldin, proposed as head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Law enforcement is also examining whether Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general nominated to replace Gaetz, were victims of similar threats.
Stefanik’s office disclosed that they received a bomb threat while she was traveling home for Thanksgiving. The police conducted a thorough search of her residence, but ultimately found no explosives. Zeldin shared that he also received pipe bomb threats but confirmed that his family was safe at the time.
In Florida, a bomb threat concerning Matt Gaetz was reported, although he does not reside at the address mentioned in the threat. Gaetz, who initially withdrew from consideration for attorney general amid allegations related to sex, has denied any wrongdoing.
These threats are emerging in a concerning political climate marked by escalating violence. In July, a gunman opened fire during a Trump rally, and there have been numerous assassination attempts targeting Trump as well.
Public officials across party lines have faced such threats, with the FBI increasingly responding to hoaxes, especially around the holiday season. The U.S. Capitol Police and other law enforcement bodies work closely together in response to incidents involving elected representatives to ensure safety and prevent copycat occurrences.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson denounced the threats, stating they are “dangerous and unhinged” and emphasize a troubling trend in American political discourse.
Ultimately, while these incidents highlight deep divisions within American politics, they also underscore the importance of unity and vigilance in safeguarding democratic processes and the well-being of public figures. Given the swift responses from law enforcement and the calls for condemnation from a range of political leaders, there is hope for a commitment to maintaining a peaceful political environment moving forward.
Summary: Several Cabinet nominees and appointees of President-elect Donald Trump have received bomb threats and have been targets of swatting attacks, prompting an FBI investigation. Key individuals affected include Elise Stefanik and Matt Gaetz. The increase in such threats highlights troubling trends in political violence in the U.S., yet there is a collective response from leaders to condemn this behavior and ensure safety moving forward.