From Bomb Threats to Swatting... "Trump Cabinet Nominees Targeted"

Some of the nominees named in the incoming Donald Trump administration next year have been confirmed as targets of bomb threats and swatting.

Key figures appointed to major positions in Donald Trump's second-term administration. Getty Images, Yonhap News

Caroline Levitt, spokesperson for the transition team, stated in a press release on the 27th (local time), "Last night (the 26th) and this morning, several of President Trump's cabinet nominees and senior administration appointees have been targeted with violent and un-American threats against their lives and those they live with." It was understood that these threats ranged from life-threatening bomb threats to swatting incidents involving false reports that prompted police SWAT team deployments.

The statement emphasized, "Law enforcement agencies and other authorities have taken swift action to ensure the safety of those targeted," adding, "As seen in Trump's case, dangerous acts of threats and violence will not stop us." However, the transition team did not specify exactly who or how many were targeted. On the same day, the FBI also released a statement acknowledging awareness of the bomb threats and swatting incidents and said it is cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

Lee Zeldin, former congressman and nominee for EPA Administrator in Trump's second administration, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Today, a pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family was sent along with a pro-Palestinian message," adding, "My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more." Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) and nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, also confirmed, "This morning, I learned that threats were made against my home and family."

Elise Stefanik, once named as a potential running mate for Trump and nominated as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, was also among those threatened. Stefanik's office announced, "This morning, as Stefanik was driving home with her husband and 3-year-old son ahead of Thanksgiving, she received a threat that a bomb had been planted at her residence."

Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce and co-chair of the transition team, was also reportedly threatened. CNN reported that Matt Gaetz, former congressman who was dropped from Trump's second administration over allegations of soliciting minors, was also targeted. The Guardian, citing multiple sources, reported that Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and nominee for Secretary of Defense who has faced sexual misconduct allegations, also received bomb threats. The outlet noted, "Trump is assembling the most controversial cabinet in U.S. presidential election history," adding, "Bomb threats were frequent even during the election period."