Several of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and White House picks were threatened with bomb hoaxes, creating safety concerns and stirring up fears. According to the FBI, these threats, along with fake emergency calls to police (known as “swatting”), targeted at least nine people chosen for major government roles like defense, housing, agriculture, labor, and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The threats happened on Tuesday night and Wednesday, and police are actively investigating the incidents.
Trump’s team condemned the threats, calling them “violent, un-American acts” that endangered not only the nominees but also their families. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump’s transition team, said law enforcement responded quickly to keep everyone safe. BBC reports that the FBI has not named the individuals targeted, but some have spoken out.
For example, Elise Stefanik, nominated as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said her family home was threatened while she was traveling for Thanksgiving with her husband and young child. Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, also received a “credible pipe bomb threat” at his home, where his seven children were sleeping. He stated on social media that such intimidation wouldn’t stop him from serving the country.
Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, revealed that a bomb threat accompanied by a “pro-Palestinian message” was sent to his home. Although his family wasn’t home, he thanked local officers for their quick actions. Similarly, Brooke Rollins, Trump’s pick for agriculture secretary, faced threats but praised police for keeping her family safe. Lori Chavez-Deremer, nominated as labor secretary, and Scott Turner, chosen for housing, also confirmed they were targeted but vowed to stay committed to their roles.
BBC shared that current President Joe Biden was briefed on the incidents, with the White House closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with law enforcement. Capitol Police also confirmed they are working with federal agencies to prevent copycat incidents.
Other high-profile nominees targeted include John Ratcliffe, nominated for CIA director, and Howard Lutnick, nominated for commerce secretary.
Even Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, who had dropped out of consideration for attorney general, was affected when his mailbox was targeted in a bomb threat.
BBC explained that this wave of threats follows a pattern of similar hoaxes used against U.S. politicians and figures involved in Trump’s legal cases. Last year, both Republican and Democratic politicians were targeted with swatting incidents over Christmas.
The incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by public officials in a politically divided environment.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6kj383k4ko