NORAD intercepted two civilian aircraft that entered temporary restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, near President Donald Trump’s golf club, after F-16 fighters were scrambled to escort them out of the zone. The incident took place on Sunday while Trump was at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, where temporary flight restrictions were in force during the LIV Golf New York tournament.
The aircraft were described as general aviation planes, and NORAD said the intercepts were carried out safely. In some reports, a third aircraft also triggered an alert, though contact was established without a further interception. The command has urged pilots to check active temporary flight restrictions before flying, particularly around high-security locations where restricted airspace can be activated at short notice.
The episode highlights the speed of the military response when civilian aircraft enter protected airspace near the U.S. president. NORAD did not identify the pilots or the aircraft involved, and the reason for the violation was not disclosed.