Numerous Cabinet nominees and appointees in President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team have been subjected to bomb threats and swatting attacks, according to a statement from his transition team. The incidents are currently under investigation by the FBI.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition, described the threats as “violent, unAmerican,” highlighting a disturbing trend where political figures are increasingly becoming targets of threats. The attacks included bomb scares and swatting—an alarming tactic that falsely triggers emergency law enforcement responses against specific individuals. Law enforcement officials responded promptly to ensure the safety of those targeted, for which Trump and his team expressed gratitude.
Among those targeted were prominent figures like Rep. Elise Stefanik, expected to become ambassador to the United Nations; Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, chosen to head the Department of Labor; and former Congressman Lee Zeldin, designated for the Environmental Protection Agency. Reports concerning incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi are also being investigated.
Stefanik’s office confirmed that, while returning home for Thanksgiving, she and her family encountered a bomb threat directed at their residence, but law enforcement found no explosives at the scene. Zeldin reported receiving a pipe bomb threat that included a politically charged statement, although he and his family were safe at the time.
The incidents follow a political climate marked by heightened violence, including past threats against Trump himself, and serve as a reminder of the broader issue of threats against public figures across the political landscape. In a recent instance, a man was arrested for posting threats against Trump, showing that the alarming trend of political violence and intimidation affects individuals across the political spectrum.
Republican leaders have condemned the threats, emphasizing that such acts are not reflective of American values. The response from law enforcement and government officials highlights an ongoing commitment to ensuring safety amid this unsettling climate. This situation underscores the importance of vigilance and unity against political violence.
In summary, while the threats against public figures can be distressing, the rapid response from law enforcement and the community’s condemnation of violence shows a collective dedication to maintaining safety and upholding democratic principles. Although these incidents are unfortunate, they can serve as a catalyst for renewed discussions around civility and safety in political discourse.