President-elect Trump's administration appointees found themselves at the center of a widespread security concern just days before the Thanksgiving holiday.
According to Fox News, nearly a dozen of Trump's Cabinet nominees and other appointees were targeted with bomb threats and "swatting" incidents on Tuesday night, prompting immediate response from law enforcement agencies.
The targeted officials included John Ratcliffe, nominated for CIA director, Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, and Rep. Elise Stefanik for UN ambassador. Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary nominee, and Lee Zeldin, chosen to lead the EPA, were among those who publicly confirmed the threats against them.
Law Enforcement Responds to Multiple Security Incidents
Local law enforcement officials quickly mobilized to address the threats, conducting thorough sweeps of nominees' residences. New York State Police deployed K9 units trained in explosives detection to search Stefanik's Saratoga home, finding no explosive devices. The FBI acknowledged awareness of the incidents and emphasized their commitment to investigating all potential threats.
The threats carried particular significance for some nominees. Lee Zeldin revealed that the threat against him included a pro-Palestinian themed message accompanying a pipe bomb threat. The incident occurred while Zeldin and his family were away from their residence.
Incoming White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt provided details about the administration's response, stating:
Last night and this morning, several of President Trump's Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them.
Additional Nominees Detail Personal Experiences
Former "Fox & Friends Weekend" host Pete Hegseth shared his family's experience with the threats. Police officers arrived at his home early in the morning while his seven children were still asleep, responding to a credible pipe bomb threat. Despite the frightening situation, Hegseth maintained his resolve to serve in the administration.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's pick for Labor secretary, and Scott Turner, nominated to lead HUD, also confirmed receiving threats. Turner took to social media to express gratitude for law enforcement's quick response while affirming his commitment to serve in the administration.
The White House, under President Biden, responded to the situation, confirming that the president had been briefed. Administration officials maintained contact with federal law enforcement and Trump's transition team throughout the developing situation.
Series of Security Challenges Intensifies Transition Period
The threats against Cabinet nominees follow recent security incidents involving Trump himself. The president-elect survived two assassination attempts in recent months, including a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, where a bullet grazed his ear. A second attempt occurred in September when an armed individual was intercepted at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Tom Homan, the incoming Trump border czar, expressed growing concern about the threats. Initially dismissive of threats against himself and his family, Homan acknowledged taking them more seriously following the recent wave of incidents targeting other officials.
Current Status and Next Steps Forward
The coordinated series of threats against Trump's Cabinet nominees has highlighted the heightened security challenges facing the incoming administration. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including local police departments, state authorities, and federal investigators, continue to investigate the incidents that targeted nearly a dozen appointees.
The transition team maintains its focus on proceeding with administrative preparations while working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of all nominees and appointees. The FBI's involvement and the White House's monitoring of the situation underscore the serious nature of these threats as the administration prepares to take office.
