Politics are becoming an increasingly dangerous world. You always have to be on guard for the worst to happen.
And Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees’ lives are in danger after being rocked by these threats.
Trump Cabinet Nominees Targeted in Series of Bomb Threats and Swatting Incidents
Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Cabinet nominees were targeted last week in what Trump transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt described as “violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them.”
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Leavitt detailed the nature of these incidents, which included bomb threats and swatting attempts.
“In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” she added.
Leavitt did not disclose the names of the individuals targeted, but reports have begun to shed light on the extent of the threats. According to Punchbowl News, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew his nomination for attorney general, “received a pipe bomb threat” at his Florida residence.
Although Gaetz was not home at the time, a family member was present. Authorities brought in a bomb-sniffing dog to investigate the scene.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Trump’s incoming U.S. ambassador to the U.N., also confirmed she was a victim. Stefanik’s office released a statement Wednesday revealing that she, her husband, and their three-year-old son were traveling back to Saratoga County, New York, when they were informed of a bomb threat to their home. Local and federal law enforcement responded immediately, according to the statement.
Fox News reported additional incidents involving Trump’s CIA nominee John Ratcliffe, defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, and commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick. Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin, now nominated for Environmental Protection Agency administrator, issued his own statement confirming a pipe bomb threat against him.
“A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” Zeldin said. “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.”
Authorities have remained on high alert following these threats. Local New York police confirmed an incident at a property owned by Lutnick, while the FBI stated it is actively investigating.
“We are working with our law enforcement partners,” the agency stated. “We take all potential threats seriously and, as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.”
Leavitt emphasized that such acts of intimidation would not deter the Transition team’s focus on the work ahead.
“President Trump and the Transition are focused on doing the work of uniting our nation by ensuring a safe and prosperous future,” she said.
These threats come amid heightened tensions surrounding Trump’s return to the presidency. The president-elect himself survived two assassination attempts during the final months of the 2024 election.
In one instance, just days before the Republican National Convention, a bullet grazed his ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Another attempt in September was thwarted while Trump was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida.
As the investigations continue, Trump’s team has vowed to press forward, undeterred by the wave of threats.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
