Drone Activity Near Trump Bedminster, Army Arsenal Spurs NJ Flight Restriction
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Tuesday that it implemented two temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in response to suspicious drone activity near President-elect Trump’s golf club in New Jersey.
Reports of drone activity in Morris County first surfaced on November 18, with the area bordering Somerset County located just two miles north of Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Following concerns raised by "federal security partners," the FAA imposed the restrictions, citing continued drone sightings in Central Jersey this week.
One restriction targets airspace above Trump Bedminster, near Solberg-Hunterdon County Airport. The second applies to the Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, New Jersey, a key U.S. Army research and development hub. The restriction for Trump Bedminster is set to expire by week’s end, while the ban over Picatinny Arsenal remains in place until December 26.
"Safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System is a key priority for the FAA," the agency said in a statement. "We investigate all reports of unauthorized drone operations and take appropriate action." The FAA warned drone pilots that endangering aircraft or people could result in fines of up to $75,000 and the revocation of their certification.
Local media reported ongoing investigations into the drone activity by law enforcement, including sightings north of Bedminster in Mendham and Parsippany, near the intersection of I-80 and I-287. A Parsippany resident told the Morristown Record that she observed as many as five drones overhead on Sunday night.
An FBI spokesperson confirmed that the Newark field office and New Jersey State Police are involved in the investigation. Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to both Team Trump and the U.S. Army garrison at Picatinny for comment.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon reassured the public, stating, "There is no advisable immediate danger to the public at this time." He encouraged residents to share clear images of the drones with law enforcement to aid the investigation.
In a statement, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office said, "The recent drone activity observed by many in our communities is being actively investigated. There is no immediate danger to the public."
Officials from Morris and Somerset counties released a joint statement acknowledging public concern. "County and local law enforcement agencies are aware of the recurring reports of drone activity and are closely monitoring the situation," they said.
This isn’t the first time unexplained drone activity has caused concern. In the UK, "swarms of small drones" have reportedly been spotted over British-American military bases such as RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Fairford, and RAF Feltwell—some of which house fighter jets like the F-15 and F-35.
A Pentagon spokesperson stated on November 26 that none of the incidents compromised buildings, personnel, or assets at the bases. The British military has since increased security measures, deploying additional personnel to the affected sites.
Drones have also disrupted events in the U.S., including a September Green Day concert. During their performance, a drone flew over the crowd, prompting lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong to momentarily leave the stage. Detroit police later arrested a suspect, and the concert resumed after a brief delay.
Despite the increased drone activity, ABC News reported that authorities have identified no immediate threat to public safety.