Washington, D.C. – January 29, 2025 – In a recent press briefing, the Trump administration addressed the growing concerns surrounding drone sightings reported across New Jersey.
During the briefing on January 28, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that many of the drones observed were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for research and recreational purposes. “This was not a threat to public safety,” she stated, aiming to alleviate fears among residents.
The drone activity first caught public attention in late 2024, particularly in Morris County, where residents expressed alarm over numerous drones flying above their neighborhoods. This led to temporary flight restrictions in areas such as Bedminster and near military installations like Picatinny Arsenal.
Press Briefing by the White House Press Secretary
Leavitt explained that the surge in drone activity was largely due to hobbyists and private individuals exploring their interest in drone flying. “After thorough investigation, we determined that the drones were operating legally under FAA regulations,” she noted.
The Biden administration had previously indicated that the drone sightings included a mix of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement aircraft. A joint statement from federal agencies confirmed that there was no threat associated with these reported sightings.
Despite earlier comments from Trump suggesting that the Biden administration was withholding information about the drones, Leavitt’s statements aligned with previous assessments showing no malicious intent behind the aerial activity.
“They know where it came from and where it went,”
Trump remarked before his inauguration, implying a need for transparency regarding the situation.
In response to safety concerns, the FAA had imposed temporary restrictions on drone operations over several cities during November and December 2024. However, by mid-December, investigations concluded that most sightings were either legitimate drone activity or misidentified objects such as stars.
As speculation continues regarding drone sightings across New Jersey and neighboring states, Leavitt reassured residents that there was no cause for alarm. “This was not a threat,” she reiterated during her briefing.
The clarity provided by the Trump administration aims to dispel fears and misinformation surrounding the drone phenomenon while reinforcing the importance of regulatory oversight in managing airspace safety.