At least seven separate no-fly zone violations occurred this weekend near Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, where former President Donald Trump spent Sunday, according to official reports. U.S. fighter jets were scrambled to respond to the breaches, including one incident that required intercepting a civilian aircraft using flares.
No-Fly Zone Violated Multiple Times While Trump Was in Bedminster
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed a series of Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violations over the restricted airspace in Bedminster, New Jersey, during Trump’s visit.
“There have been seven TFR violations near Bedminster, NJ this weekend,” NORAD posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to Trump’s public schedule, he was at the golf club on Sunday and returned by evening, Fox News reported.
Civilian Aircraft Intercepted After Entering Restricted Airspace
At approximately 12:50 p.m. EDT on Sunday, NORAD reported that a civilian aircraft entered the restricted area and was intercepted:
“The civilian aircraft was safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft after the use of flares to draw the pilot’s attention.”
NORAD clarified that the flares “may have been visible to the public” but were used with “the highest regard for the safety of the intercepted aircraft and people on the ground.”
Breakdown of the Weekend Violations
- Saturday: 3 unauthorized airspace incursions
- Sunday: 4 violations, including one requiring NORAD fighter jet intercept
“This intercept was preceded by one separate TFR violation earlier in the day,” NORAD said in an earlier statement.
These incidents are part of a growing pattern of general aviation aircraft breaching airspace when Trump visits Bedminster or other secured locations.
NORAD Issues Warning to General Aviation Pilots
As part of its public safety effort, NORAD reminded pilots:
“General aviation pilots are reminded to verify all Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) and Fly Informed before every flight.”
Temporary Flight Restrictions are automatically issued by the FAA when a former or sitting president is present at a specific location, and violations can lead to federal consequences.
