Following the election of President Donald Trump, several planned Cabinet nominees and administration appointees faced alarming incidents of bomb threats and swatting attacks, as revealed by the Trump transition team. These hostile acts, described by transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt as “violent, unAmerican threats,” aimed to intimidate Trump’s allies and included both bomb threats and swatting—where a false emergency call is made to elicit an armed response from law enforcement. Such tactics can pose severe risks, potentially leading to tragic outcomes, underscoring the nature and severity of these actions against individuals linked to the incoming administration.
Law enforcement officials closely monitoring the situation reported that these threats were assessed as not credible; no actual bombs or concrete risks materialized. Some threats appeared to have emerged from social media platforms, indicating a potentially coordinated effort to instill fear among Trump’s nominees and appointees. Notably, those subjected to these aggressive tactics were not protected by U.S. Secret Service measures, such as Trump or Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) acknowledged these events and emphasized its commitment to addressing them with local and state law enforcement. The FBI urged individuals to report any suspicious activity immediately, reflecting the seriousness with which they approached these incidents.
The Trump transition team expressed appreciation for the prompt actions taken by law enforcement to safeguard those targeted by the threats. The White House was quick to react, with President Joe Biden receiving briefings about the situation and ensuring that communication with federal law enforcement remained ongoing. The administration strongly condemned any form of political violence, emphasizing the serious nature of these threats against public figures. This collaborative approach aimed to bolster the safety and security of the individuals involved, reiterating that such actions are wholly unacceptable in a democratic system.
Among the high-profile targets were Representative Elise Stefanik, Trump’s choice for United Nations ambassador, and former Representative Lee Zeldin, slated for the role of Environmental Protection Agency head. Both confirmed receiving bomb threats directed at their homes. Stefanik noted that she was informed while traveling home, while Zeldin reported a bomb scare connected to a pro-Palestinian message, both explaining that they were not at home during the incidents. Brooke Rollins, nominated for the Department of Agriculture, also received a threat but reported swift action from the Fort Worth Police Department that ensured her family was unharmed. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who had also been under consideration for U.S. Attorney General, confirmed he was a target of similar threats.
The response from local law enforcement during these incidents demonstrated a high level of professionalism and urgency. In Gaetz’s case, a bomb-sniffing dog was employed but found no evidence of explosives, leading to a full bomb squad assessment, which yielded no threats. All parties involved remained safe, but the incidents further highlight the polarized political climate and the repercussions of rising tensions in American society.
Leavitt’s statement postured that these threats would not hinder the transition team’s momentum, drawing on President Trump’s legacy of resilience against intimidation. The swatting incidents reported against Trump allies reflect a broader trend of politically motivated harassment and intimidation, seen previously against judges and prosecutors involved in cases against Trump. Thus, this scenario not only spotlights the specific threats against incoming administration figures but also serves as a commentary on the increasingly fraught political landscape affecting individuals associated with either major party in the United States.