Trump’s Cabinet Nominees Targeted in Bomb Threats and Swatting Incidents
TL/DR –
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team reported a series of overnight attacks on his Cabinet and administration picks, including bomb threats and “swatting” incidents. “Swatting” is the act of falsely triggering emergency services. Details on who specifically was targeted remain limited, but the FBI is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incidents.
Trump Transition Team Reports Threats to Cabinet and Administration Picks
The Trump transition team reported Wednesday that numerous Cabinet and administration picks were targeted in threats from “swatting” incidents to bomb threats, according to spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. “Swatting” refers to the malicious act of falsely triggering emergency services to specific addresses.
“Several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent threats,” Leavitt stated. Law enforcement and other authorities responded swiftly to ensure safety, she added. Threatened individuals include incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, the next U.S. attorney general Pam Bondi, and Elise Stefanik, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations nominee, whose New York home received a bomb threat.
The FBI, in collaboration with local law enforcement, is investigating these incidents. Howard Lutnick, Trump’s secretary of commerce nominee, was also threatened with a reported terrorist bomb threat at his home, per the New York Police Department. Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, revealed he had also been targeted.
Brooke Rollins, Trump’s agricultural secretary nominee, reported a threat against her home and family. A White House spokesperson stated that the president has been briefed on these incidents and unequivocally denounces threats of political violence.
The FBI has confirmed its awareness of “bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees” and is cooperating with law enforcement. U.S. Capitol Police also confirmed they collaborate with law enforcement in swatting incidents but refrained from providing additional details to protect ongoing investigations and deter copycats.
These incidents occur months after Trump himself was targeted in two attempted assassinations, and a man was arrested for allegedly threatening Trump and his family. Since winning the 2024 presidential election, Trump has announced most of his picks for top posts in his administration, with several selections under scrutiny.
By Robert Legare, Nicole Sganga, and Kristin Brown.
Report by Kathryn Watson, a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C.
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