Trump nominees received bomb threats, says FBI

The FBI has reported that several individuals nominated for positions in Donald Trump's incoming administration have received bomb threats, including a pipe bomb scare, AFP reported. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency confirmed it was investigating multiple bomb threats and "swatting" incidents targeting these nominees and appointees. "We are working closely with our law enforcement partners," the FBI said.

"Swatting" refers to the act of falsely reporting an emergency to prompt a police response to someone's home.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump's transition team, earlier said that several appointees and nominees "were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them."

Elise Stefanik, a Trump loyalist congresswoman tapped to be UN ambassador, said her residence in New York was targeted in a bomb threat.

She said in a statement that she, her husband, and her small son were driving home from Washington for the Thanksgiving holiday when they learned of the threat.

Lee Zeldin, Trump's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said his home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat sent with a "pro-Palestinian themed message."

The former congressman from New York said he and his family were not home then.

As he prepares to return to the White House in January, Trump swiftly assembled a cabinet of loyalists, including several criticized for a severe lack of experience.

The Republican, who appears set to avoid trial on criminal prosecutions related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss, was wounded in the ear in July in an assassination attempt.