Investigation Underway for Threats Aimed at Trump’s Cabinet Appointees
In a concerning development, several prominent appointments within President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming Cabinet have been subjected to serious threats, ranging from bomb scares to swatting incidents. This information was shared by Trump’s transition team on Wednesday, and the FBI has confirmed that it is actively investigating these alarming occurrences.
Karoline Leavitt, the spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, stated, “Last night and earlier today, multiple nominations and appointees for President Trump’s administration received violent and un-American threats against their lives and the safety of their families.”
These threats have manifested in various forms, including bomb threats and swatting—a dangerous tactic where false emergencies are reported to provoke police responses against unsuspecting individuals. Leavitt noted that this troubling method has unfortunately become more prevalent in recent years.
Leavitt expressed appreciation for law enforcement’s rapid response to safeguard those targeted, conveying gratitude from Trump and his transition team for their prompt actions.
Among the individuals facing threats are New York Representative Elise Stefanik, who is nominated to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; Matt Gaetz, who was initially selected for the role of attorney general; Oregon Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, poised to lead the Department of Labor; and former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin, appointed to head the Environmental Protection Agency.
Read More: New Additions to Trump’s Administration: Who’s Who So Far
Investigations are also ongoing into whether Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general named as Gaetz’s successor, have also been targeted, alongside other officials in the new administration. This information was provided by an anonymous source connected to the law enforcement agencies involved in the inquiry.
As of now, neither Wiles nor Bondi have issued statements regarding the threats.
The FBI is aware of the numerous threats directed at incoming officials and is collaborating with local authorities to address these incidents.
White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on these threats and that the White House maintains communication with federal law enforcement and Trump’s transition team.
Sharma stated that Biden is “closely monitoring the situation” and has denounced any instances of political violence.
According to Stefanik’s office, she and her family were informed of a bomb threat aimed at their residence in Saratoga County while driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving.
Law enforcement searched her home following the threat but found no explosives, as confirmed by the New York State Police.
Zeldin also took to social media to disclose that he and his family received threats, mentioning, “Today, a pipe bomb threat directed at my family was accompanied by a pro-Palestinian message.” Fortunately, they were not home at the time and were unharmed.
In Florida, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving a bomb threat linked to Matt Gaetz’s mailbox at a residence in Niceville. Although a family member resides at the address, Gaetz does not live there, and no threatening devices were found.
Gaetz, who was initially nominated for attorney general but later withdrew amid allegations of misconduct involving minors, has consistently claimed innocence. A Justice Department investigation concluded with no charges filed against him.
These threats are set against a backdrop of escalating political tensions and disturbing incidents of violence. Notably, there was a recent shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, which injured the then-candidate and resulted in the death of a supporter. Additionally, the Secret Service intervened to prevent an assassination attempt during a golf outing attended by Trump in Florida.
Moreover, Trump was reportedly the target of a planned assassination by an Iranian national.
Recently, a man was arrested for making threats against Trump. Manuel Tamayo-Torres allegedly brandished what appeared to be an AR-15 rifle in a social media video while threatening to shoot the former president. No comments have been made by Tamayo-Torres’s attorney regarding these allegations.
In recent years, public figures across the political spectrum have faced similar threats involving hoax bomb alerts and false shooting reports. The FBI noted a significant rise in such incidents last year, particularly targeted at public officials during the holiday season.
Previously targeted individuals include Georgia’s Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Judges involved in major cases against Trump have also reported threats, including a false emergency call aimed at Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith during the last Christmas season.
Earlier this year, a series of hoax bomb threats were made against schools and government buildings in Springfield, Ohio, following Trump’s unfounded accusations against the local Haitian community.
In 2022, numerous bomb threats targeted historically Black colleges and universities, primarily during Black History Month celebrations.
The U.S. Capitol Police stated that they work closely with local and federal law enforcement agencies whenever a member of Congress is involved in a swatting incident, opting not to disclose further details to deter potential copycat actions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the recent threats as “dangerous and unhinged,” highlighting that there have been two assassination attempts against President Trump this year. He expressed deep concern for the safety of Cabinet nominees and their families, asserting, “This is not who we are as Americans.”
—Colvin reported from New York. Richer contributed from Washington. Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, also contributed to this report.
