Investigations Underway for Threats Against Trump’s Cabinet Appointees

Recent reports indicate that several individuals nominated for positions in President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet have been subjected to serious threats, including bomb scares and swatting incidents. This alarming situation was confirmed in a statement from Trump’s transition team on Wednesday, with the FBI actively investigating the matter.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the transition team, stated, “Last night and earlier today, various Cabinet nominees and appointees received violent and un-American threats against their lives and the safety of their families.”

The nature of these threats ranged from bomb alerts to swatting—a dangerous practice where false emergencies are reported to provoke police responses against innocent individuals. Leavitt noted that this tactic has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

She also highlighted the swift actions taken by law enforcement to ensure the safety of those targeted, expressing gratitude from Trump and his team for their prompt response.

Among those threatened were Representative Elise Stefanik from New York, who is nominated to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; Matt Gaetz, who was initially appointed as attorney general; Oregon Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer, slated to lead the Department of Labor; and former Congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been designated to head the Environmental Protection Agency.

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There are also investigations into whether Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general chosen to succeed Gaetz, were targeted, along with other officials from the incoming administration. This information comes from a law enforcement source who wished to remain anonymous.

As of now, neither Wiles nor Bondi has publicly commented on these threats.

The FBI has acknowledged its awareness of the threats against incoming administration officials and is collaborating with local law enforcement for further investigation.

White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma mentioned that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and that the White House maintains communication with federal law enforcement and Trump’s transition team.

Sharma further noted that Biden is “closely monitoring the situation” and has condemned any form of political violence.

Stefanik’s office disclosed that on Wednesday morning, while returning home from Washington with her husband and their young son for Thanksgiving, they received alerts regarding a bomb threat aimed at their residence in Saratoga County.

Police conducted a thorough search of her home following the threat but reported finding no explosives, as confirmed by the New York State Police.

Zeldin also took to social media to share that he and his family had received threats, stating, “Today, a pipe bomb threat directed at me and my family was accompanied by a pro-Palestinian message.” Fortunately, he noted, they were not home at the time and were safe.

In Florida, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving alerts regarding a bomb threat linked to Matt Gaetz’s mailbox in Niceville. While a family member resides at that address, Gaetz himself does not live there, and no suspicious devices were found.

Gaetz, who previously withdrew from his attorney general nomination amid allegations of misconduct involving minors, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. A Justice Department investigation into these allegations concluded without any charges being filed against him.

These threats emerge in a politically charged climate marked by violent incidents. Notably, a gunman targeted a Trump rally in Pennsylvania a few months ago, resulting in injuries to the then-candidate and the death of a supporter. Additionally, the Secret Service thwarted an assassination attempt during a golf outing by Trump in Florida.

Reports also surfaced that Trump was a target of an assassination plot by an Iranian national.

Recently, a man was arrested for making online threats against Trump. Manuel Tamayo-Torres allegedly threatened to shoot the former president while waving what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle in a social media video. An attorney for Tamayo-Torres has not yet provided a statement regarding the allegations.

In recent years, public figures across the political spectrum have experienced a rise in hoax bomb threats and false shooting reports. The FBI noted a significant increase in such incidents, particularly targeting 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 significant cases against Trump have also reported similar threats, including a fake 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, historically Black colleges and universities were hit by a wave of bomb threats, primarily coinciding with Black History Month celebrations.

The U.S. Capitol Police stated they work closely with both local and federal law enforcement whenever a swatting incident involving a member of Congress occurs, but refrained from sharing further details to deter potential copycat actions.

House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the threats as “dangerous and unhinged,” expressing concern for the safety of Cabinet nominees and their families while emphasizing, “This is not who we are as Americans.”

—Colvin reported from New York. Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this report.