Trump appointees targeted by bomb threats and hoax calls

The FBI confirmed that they are aware of numerous bomb threats and incidents involving fake emergency calls known as "swatting." These hoax calls are designed to send police to a target’s home, often causing confusion and panic.

At least nine of Trump’s nominees were affected. These included people chosen to lead the Departments of Defense, Housing, Agriculture, and Labor, as well as his pick for the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The threats came on Tuesday and Wednesday, and local police are investigating the situation.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump's transition team, said that the Trump appointees were victims of “violent, unAmerican threats” aimed at scaring them and their families. She added that law enforcement worked quickly to ensure the safety of the nominees.

While no names were provided by Leavitt or the FBI, some of the targets have spoken out. One of the first to report a bomb threat was New York Republican Elise Stefanik. She was picked by Trump to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik was told about the threat while driving to New York for Thanksgiving with her husband and young son. Her office confirmed the news.

Later, Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth confirmed he was also targeted. On social media, he shared that police had visited his home on Wednesday morning. 

The officer informed him that a "credible pipe bomb threat" had been made. At the time, Hegseth's seven children were inside the house. Hegseth vowed to not be intimidated by the threats and promised to carry out the job Trump had asked him to do.

Other nominees also shared their experiences. Lee Zeldin, who Trump has nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency, received a similar bomb threat. The threat included a "pro-Palestinian themed message." Zeldin said his family was not home at the time, but they were grateful for the quick response from local police.

Brooke Rollins, who Trump picked to lead the Department of Agriculture, also had her home threatened. She thanked the police in Fort Worth, Texas, for their fast actions to ensure her family was safe.

Trump’s pick for the Department of Housing, Scott Turner, and Lori Chavez-Deremer, who was nominated to be Secretary of Labor, both confirmed they were targeted by threats as well. Despite the scary incidents, all of them pledged that they would not be frightened by the attacks.

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are working together to investigate these incidents. The White House has been briefed on the threats, and President Joe Biden is being kept informed. His team said they are closely monitoring the situation.

The U.S. Capitol Police, who protect lawmakers, are also involved in the investigation. They are working with federal law enforcement to look into the hoax calls but have kept details limited to avoid inspiring copycat incidents.

Other prominent political figures, including Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz and New York nominee Howard Lutnick, were also targeted. Local police confirmed that a bomb threat was made against a home in Niceville, Florida. A search of the area turned up no bomb or dangerous materials.

These recent threats are part of a larger trend where political figures, especially those linked to Trump, have been subjected to hoaxes and intimidation. Last year, a number of politicians were targeted by similar hoax calls, especially around the holiday.