Fighter jets were scrambled Sunday afternoon after an unauthorized aircraft entered the restricted airspace above President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed.
At approximately 2:50 p.m., a rogue pilot flew into the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone near Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, prompting a swift military response.
Flares Deployed to Alert Pilot
NORAD fighter jets intercepted the aircraft and deployed flares to gain the pilot’s attention, a standard safety procedure when other communication efforts fail.
“Flares are employed with the highest regard for the safety of the intercepted aircraft and people on the ground,” NORAD stated, adding that the flares burn out quickly and pose no danger to the public.
The aircraft was promptly escorted out of the restricted zone, and no further threat was reported.
Seven Incursions in One Weekend
The Sunday incident marked the second of the day, following three similar violations on Saturday. By Sunday night, the total number of TFR incursions over the weekend had risen to seven.
While officials said there is no evidence the violations were intentional or malicious, they issued renewed warnings to general aviation pilots.
NORAD and FAA: Pilots Must “Fly Informed”
NORAD issued a public reminder:
“General aviation pilots are reminded to verify all FAA Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and fly informed before every flight.”
Pilots are urged to consult the TFR map at tfr.faa.gov to avoid accidentally entering restricted zones, especially when high-profile individuals like the President of the United States are present.
“Adhering to FAA-restricted airspace protocols is mandatory,” NORAD stressed, “regardless of geographic region, airframe, or aircrew.”
Trump Returns to Washington After Weekend at Bedminster
President Trump spent the weekend at his Bedminster club, a frequent retreat during both of his presidential terms. He returned to Washington, D.C., late Sunday evening.
The increase in airspace violations over the weekend underscores the need for vigilance and adherence to aviation safety protocols as Trump resumes presidential duties amid a packed 2026 agenda.
