Bomb Threats Target Trump Cabinet Nominees.
Several individuals nominated by Donald Trump for cabinet and White House roles have been targeted by bomb threats and swatting incidents, prompting investigations by US law enforcement. The FBI confirmed it is aware of “numerous bomb threats” and hoax calls designed to elicit a heavy police response at the homes of Trump’s appointees.
The threats, which occurred between Tuesday night and Wednesday, targeted at least nine nominees, including those chosen to lead the Departments of Defence, Agriculture, Housing, and Labour, as well as the nominee for US ambassador to the United Nations.
Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for UN ambassador, disclosed that her family home was targeted while she was travelling with her husband and young son. Defence Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth revealed that police informed him of a “credible pipe bomb threat” while his seven children were sleeping. “I will not be bullied or intimidated,” he wrote on social media.
Lee Zeldin, nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency, also reported a pipe bomb threat accompanied by a “pro-Palestinian themed message.” Brooke Rollins, Trump’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary, and Scott Turner, his pick for Housing Secretary, also confirmed threats to their homes.
The White House issued a statement confirming that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incidents and is monitoring the situation. The administration is working closely with law enforcement agencies to address the threats.
US Capitol Police, which oversees Congress’s security, said it is coordinating with federal agencies to address swatting incidents and minimise the risk of copycat crimes.
This wave of threats comes amid heightened political tensions in the US, with similar tactics previously used against judges and prosecutors involved in legal cases against Trump. None of the recent targets are under Secret Service protection.
Trump himself, who has survived assassination attempts during his campaigns, was not among those targeted this week. However, a man in Arizona was recently arrested for making daily online threats against him and his family.
Law enforcement continues to investigate, and targeted individuals have vowed to remain undeterred in their roles. “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” said Trump transition team spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
