Washington DC: Several of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and White House team members have been targeted by bomb threats.
The FBI confirmed awareness of multiple incidents meant to provoke police responses. At least nine of Trump’s appointees were affected by these threats that occurred on November 26 and 27.
FBI said in a statement that, “The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners.”
Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for Trump’s transition team, condemned the threats, calling them violent and un-American. She praised law enforcement for acting swiftly to ensure the nominees’ safety.
Among those targeted, New York Republican Elise Stefanik, nominated for UN ambassador, revealed that her family home had received a bomb threat while she was enroute to New York for Thanksgiving.
Defence secretary nominee Pete Hegseth confirmed that a “credible pipe bomb threat” was made to his home, where his children were sleeping.
While Trump, who has faced assassination threats in the past, was not among those targeted, other nominees such as Zeldin (EPA administrator), Brooke Rollins (Agriculture), Scott Turner (Housing), and Lori Chavez-Deremer (Labor) confirmed they had also received bomb threats. Despite this, they all expressed determination to continue with their roles.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incidents, with the White House and federal law enforcement closely monitoring the situation. Several other individuals, including Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz and Trump’s nominee for CIA director, John Ratcliffe, were also targeted. The authorities are investigating the incidents to minimize the risk of further threats.
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