PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former President Donald Trump pledged to release a comprehensive report on the mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey if he returns to the White House, criticizing officials for withholding information.
“I’m going to give you a report on drones about one day into the administration,” Trump told a group of Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday. “Because I think it’s ridiculous that they are not telling you about what’s going on with the drones.”
The former president’s remarks reignite public interest in a series of unexplained drone sightings reported across New Jersey in recent years. Beginning in late 2024, residents and law enforcement in several counties reported groups of large drones flying in coordinated patterns, particularly during nighttime hours.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities launched investigations into the incidents, but no official explanation has been provided. Speculation has ranged from commercial drone testing to more concerning theories involving surveillance.
Trump’s promise to disclose details about these incidents reflects his broader criticism of federal transparency, a theme that has resonated with his supporters. However, federal agencies have not publicly commented on the former president’s latest statements.
Since mid-November 2024, the skies over New Jersey have been dotted with strange phenomena, sparking intrigue, concern, and a flurry of speculation among residents. Reports of mysterious drones, sometimes large enough to be likened to small cars, have been flooding local media and social media platforms. These sightings have not only been confined to New Jersey; similar reports have emerged from neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania, suggesting a broader regional occurrence.
Details of the Drones
Descriptions of these drones vary but typically include accounts of bright, blinking lights, large, low-flying objects, and patterns of flight that seem coordinated or erratic. Some residents have reported drones hovering for hours, while others noted the devices moving in formation. The drones have been spotted over critical infrastructure, including military bases like Picatinny Arsenal and even near President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. This has led to heightened security concerns and an urgent demand for answers from both local and federal officials.
Official Responses and Investigations
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with the Department of Homeland Security and state law enforcement agencies, have taken the lead in investigating these sightings. There’s been a concerted effort to reassure the public that no immediate threat to national security or public safety has been identified. However, the lack of clear answers has fueled conspiracy theories ranging from foreign surveillance to extraterrestrial involvement.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by imposing temporary flight restrictions on drones in several New Jersey locations, particularly around critical infrastructure, effective until mid-January 2025. This move was seen as both a precautionary measure and an attempt to mitigate the hysteria by controlling the drone activity in the area.
Community and Political Reactions
The response from the community has been a mix of fascination and anxiety. Posts on X have described residents feeling unnerved, with some unable to sleep because of the constant presence of these aerial objects. Local officials and mayors have demanded more transparent communication from federal agencies, with some even calling for a state of emergency to address the situation.
Politicians like New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Cory Booker have been vocal about the need for federal intervention and clarity. Despite assurances from the FBI and other agencies that there’s no known threat, the public’s demand for answers remains strong, leading to calls for legislative action to enhance drone regulations and security measures.
Murphy has told residents of New Jersey to “calm down” regarding the drone sightings.
Theories and Misconceptions
The drone mystery has birthed numerous theories. Some suggest these could be military drones engaging in classified operations, while others speculate about foreign surveillance, with no concrete evidence supporting these claims. Misidentifications have also been noted; many of what were thought to be drones turned out to be stars, planes, or even lawful commercial drone operations.
Current Status
As of early January 2025, the drone sightings have seemingly tapered off from the headlines, perhaps due to the resolution of initial panic or because the drones themselves have become less frequent or visible. Official statements continue to stress the non-threatening nature of these sightings, yet the community remains vigilant and curious about the true nature of these aerial visitors.