Multiple nominees for President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration faced a series of bomb threats and “swatting” incidents, prompting swift response from federal and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI has launched an active investigation into these threats, which occurred just before the Thanksgiving holiday.
At least four officials in Trump’s incoming administration reported receiving bomb threats on Wednesday. Rep. Elise Stefanik, nominated for U.N. Ambassador, reported a bomb threat at her New York residence. Similar threats targeted Scott Turner (Housing and Urban Development nominee), Rep. Lori Chavez-De Remer (Labor Secretary nominee), and Lee Zeldin (Environmental Protection Agency nominee).
Other targets included Brooke Rollins (Agriculture Secretary nominee), Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary nominee), and a relative of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick for Attorney General who later withdrew from consideration.
“These attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting,'” stated Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted.”
The FBI confirmed its awareness of “numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees” and is coordinating with law enforcement partners. The White House reported that President Biden received briefings on the situation, with federal authorities maintaining contact with Trump’s transition team.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe provided context: “This has become a very, very common aspect of life for really anyone who is in a high-profile or even remotely controversial position.” He explained that while 90% of such threats prove false, law enforcement must treat each incident seriously.
Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney revealed security vulnerabilities during the nomination process. “Most of these folks have absolutely no security,” Mulvaney stated, noting that nominees typically receive minimal protection until Senate confirmation.
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“We saw the crazy nut jobs on the internet threatening your family and so forth, and you have to turn those over to the FBI, but we never saw anything to the likes of pipe bombs at this level,” Mulvaney added, comparing current threats to his experience during Trump’s first administration.
The threats have raised concerns about political violence during the transition period. A White House spokesperson stated: “The President and the Administration unequivocally condemn threats of political violence.”
Local law enforcement bears the primary burden of response. McCabe noted that agencies have developed specialized tactics to address these situations without deploying full SWAT teams, though each threat requires careful evaluation.
The transition team remains resolute. “Dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us,” Leavitt declared in an official statement.
