Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and White House appointees have become targets of bomb threats and hoaxes, sparking concern. The FBI is looking into these cases, including “swatting,” a troubling tactic involving fake emergency calls that bring police to the victim’s residence.
At least nine of Trump’s chosen leaders for key government roles—such as the Departments of Defense, Housing, Agriculture, and Labor—were targeted. This included Elise Stefanik, nominated as the US ambassador to the United Nations, who revealed her family home was threatened. Thankfully, law enforcement acted swiftly, ensuring the safety of those affected.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, condemned these threats as “violent, un-American acts” meant to intimidate. She emphasized that such actions would not deter the appointees. “With President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” she said.
While names were not officially disclosed, several individuals spoke out about their experiences. Elise Stefanik, informed of a threat while traveling with her family, reassured everyone they were safe. Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth shared that police had alerted him to a credible pipe bomb threat at his home. He stood firm, saying, “I will not be bullied or intimidated.”
Other nominees, including Brooke Rollins (Agriculture), Scott Turner (Housing), and Lori Chavez-Deremer (Labor), confirmed they were also targeted. Each expressed gratitude for law enforcement and vowed to continue their work undeterred.
Notably, President Trump himself, who has faced genuine threats before, was not among this week’s targets. However, law enforcement in Arizona recently arrested a man who had been posting frequent threats to harm Trump and his family.
In a statement, the White House confirmed that President Biden had been briefed on the situation and is monitoring developments closely. Agencies like the US Capitol Police and local authorities are collaborating to investigate these incidents, while also working to prevent similar hoaxes.
This unsettling trend of threats and swatting extends beyond Trump’s appointees. Figures like Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration as attorney general, were also targeted. Bomb threats even reached the homes of Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, and Pam Bondi, his attorney general nominee.
Despite the challenges, the appointees and their families are prioritizing safety while continuing to focus on their commitments. Their determination in the face of these threats is a testament to their resilience during this tumultuous time.
