As President-elect Donald Trump works to assemble his cabinet and top advisors, several of his high-profile picks have become the targets of a wave of threats and attacks, according to sources close to the transition team. The incidents, which ranged from bomb threats to swatting attempts, have raised concerns about the safety and security of those tasked with leading the incoming administration.
Cabinet Nominees in the Crosshairs
Among those targeted was Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. The controversial military veteran and conservative commentator reportedly received a threat at his home claiming a pipe bomb had been planted at the residence. Law enforcement, including a bomb squad, were dispatched to investigate the threat, which remains under investigation.
Elise Stefanik, the New York Congresswoman chosen by Trump to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, was also the subject of a bomb threat, according to her office. The rising star in the Republican Party has become a vocal Trump loyalist in recent years, drawing both praise and criticism for her staunch support of the former president.
Gaetz Withdrawal Amid Scandal
Reports also surfaced that Trump’s initial pick for Attorney General, former Representative Matt Gaetz, was among those targeted by threats. Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration just eight days after his selection amid a sexual misconduct scandal that raised doubts about his Senate confirmation prospects. The details of the threats against Gaetz were not immediately clear.
“The attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting attempts,” said incoming White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirming that multiple cabinet picks had been targeted.
Swatting, the act of making a hoax call to emergency services in an attempt to dispatch a large number of armed responders to a target’s address, has become an increasingly common tactic used to harass and intimidate public figures and civilians alike.
A Controversial Cabinet Takes Shape
The threats against Trump’s cabinet picks come as the president-elect works to assemble what many observers have described as one of the most controversial and ideologically- diverse teams in modern history. While Trump’s base has largely celebrated his selections, critics have raised concerns about the qualifications and positions of several key nominees.
- Pete Hegseth: Known for his hardline conservative views and past involvement in a sexual harassment scandal
- Elise Stefanik: Rose to prominence as a vocal Trump defender during his impeachment proceedings
- Matt Gaetz: Withdrew from AG consideration after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced
A Rocky Road Ahead?
The series of threats against incoming cabinet members raises questions about the challenges and opposition the Trump administration may face as it prepares to take office in January. With the nation still deeply divided in the wake of a contentious election, ensuring the safety and security of top officials is likely to remain a top priority.
As more details emerge about these recent incidents and the ongoing investigations, the American public will be closely watching to see how Trump and his team navigate this turbulent transition period. For an administration already facing a steep climb to unite a fractured nation, these early signs of discord and danger may foreshadow an even rockier road ahead.
