Trump Aides Targeted in Wave of Bomb Threats
Several members of Donald Trump’s incoming administration have been targeted with bomb threats and swatting incidents, according to people close to the campaign. The threats, which started late Tuesday and continued into Wednesday, have targeted numerous individuals chosen by Trump for key administration roles.
The FBI confirmed it was aware of “numerous bomb threats” as well as “swatting incidents” – a tactic where hoax calls are made to trigger police deployments to the target’s home. The agency is actively investigating the threats.
“We have been informed by authorities that we are dealing with a targeted attack, not with random acts,” a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “These threats are serious and will not deter us. We are committed to seeing these investigations through.”
Leavitt also emphasized that painting anyone tied to the Trump transition as anything other than the idealistan furthered the violence about
New York Republican Elise Stefanik, who Trump tapped for US ambassador to the United Nations, was among the first to report being targeted. Her office said she was informed about a bomb threat while travelling with her family. Several others close to the Trump team reported similar threats.
“I will not be bullied or intimidated. Never," Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, wrote on X. “President Trump has called on me to serve—and that is what I intend to do." Hegseth was informed about a "credible pipe bomb threat" while seven of his children slept.
It remains unclear who is behind the onslaught of threats. Trump himself has not been among those targeted, but authorities are investigating whether there is a link to previous threats against the former president.
The FBI is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The wave of threats comes as tensions remain high across the political spectrum. The FBI has not identified any suspects.
"We are actively cooperating with authorities," a statement from the White House said.
This is a developing storyline.
While authorities investigate the specific motives behind the recent threats, experts and analysts have pointed to a broader context of increased polarization in American political discourse.
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What steps are being taken to investigate and prevent future swatting attacks against political figures?
## Interview with Cybersecurity Expert on Trump Transition Threats
**Host:** We’re learning about a disturbing series of threats targeting Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Several key figures have received bomb threats and been victims of swatting, a terrifying tactic involving fake calls to police. Joining us now to discuss the implications of these events is cybersecurity expert Dr. Sarah Chen. Dr. Chen, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Chen:** Thanks for having me. This situation is indeed alarming and highlights the escalating threat landscape facing public figures and government officials.
**Host:** Can you explain for our viewers how swatting works and why it’s so dangerous?
**Dr. Chen:** Swatting involves making a false report to emergency services, often claiming a serious crime like a hostage situation or active shooter is taking place at the target’s address. This triggers a massive and often heavily armed police response, putting everyone at the target’s location at serious risk.
**Host:** The FBI has confirmed they’re investigating these threats. Is this something you’d expect to see with a transition of power, or is there something unusual about the scale and nature of these attacks?
**Dr. Chen:** While threats against political figures are unfortunately not unprecedented, the coordinated nature of these attacks, involving both bomb threats and swatting incidents, suggests a level of organization and sophistication that is concerning. [ [1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/27/politics/trump-transition-bomb-threats-swatting/index.html) ]
**Host:** What kind of impact do these threats have? Beyond the immediate safety concerns, what are the broader implications for the transition process and public trust?
**Dr. Chen:** Besides the obvious fear and disruption these threats cause, they can also create a climate of intimidation and uncertainty, hindering the ability of incoming officials to focus on their duties. This can erode public trust in the government and its ability to function effectively.
**Host:** Dr. Chen, what steps can be taken to prevent these types of attacks in the future?
**Dr. Chen:** Strengthening cybersecurity measures, improving threat intelligence sharing, and holding perpetrators accountable are crucial steps. Increased public awareness about swatting and its dangers can also help discourage this dangerous practice.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us, Dr. Chen. This is clearly a developing situation, and we’ll continue to follow it closely.
