Several members of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming cabinet and administration appointees have been targeted with violent threats, including bomb threats and swatting incidents, according to Trump’s transition team. These threats occurred on the evening of November 27 and the morning of November 28, creating alarm and raising security concerns within the administration.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, confirmed that multiple violent threats were made against his cabinet nominees. Among the incidents was a bomb threat targeting the home of Elise Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman from New York. Stefanik, who has been nominated as the US Ambassador to the United Nations, shared that she and her family were informed of the bomb threat while traveling to their New York residence from Washington, D.C.
Stefanik praised the swift and professional response of law enforcement, including New York State, County, and US Capitol Police, who ensured the safety of her family. The transition team’s statement also described other threats ranging from bomb scares to swatting — a tactic where false calls are made to law enforcement, triggering armed police responses to a residence based on misleading information.
While other specific details about the individuals affected have not been disclosed, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed it was aware of the situation and was actively investigating the bomb threats and swatting incidents. An FBI spokesperson reassured the public that all potential threats are being taken seriously and encouraged people to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Despite these threats, the Justice Department has not yet commented on the issue. Trump, who is preparing for his return to the White House in January, has been assembling a cabinet filled largely with loyalists, some of whom have faced criticism for their lack of experience in public office.
This series of violent incidents comes on the heels of rising tensions surrounding Trump. In July, he survived an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, and in September, a man was charged with attempted assassination after allegedly positioning himself with a rifle near one of Trump’s Florida golf courses.
Despite these escalating threats, Leavitt reaffirmed that Trump and his team are unwavering in their resolve. She emphasized that, following the example set by President Trump, such acts of violence and intimidation will not deter them from moving forward with their work.
