An F-16 fighter jet intercepted a civilian aircraft on Saturday after it violated a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over former President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the U.S. military confirmed.
According to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the jet was scrambled to escort the general aviation aircraft out of the restricted zone, which had been established while Trump spent the holiday weekend at the property.
This was the fifth airspace incursion of the day, prompting NORAD to issue renewed warnings to civilian pilots to check flight advisories before takeoff. During the incident, the F-16 executed a standard “headbutt” maneuver—flying in front of the unauthorized plane to get the pilot’s attention—before safely escorting it away.
Recurring Violations Near Trump Properties
Saturday’s breach follows a similar incident in March, when a civilian aircraft flew into restricted airspace over Trump’s Florida residence shortly after he wrapped up a round of golf at West Palm Beach. In that case, fighter jets were forced to deploy flares to signal the pilot, an action that can be seen from the ground but quickly burns out.
That incursion occurred just a day after another interception near Mar-a-Lago, following Trump’s arrival at the resort. Officials noted that none of the incidents have disrupted the former president’s schedule or compromised his security.
NORAD Raises Concerns Over TFR Compliance
Since Trump’s return to office in January, NORAD has observed an uptick in unauthorized flights near the president’s location. General Gregory Guillot, commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, emphasized the importance of compliance with TFRs:
“Adherence to TFR procedures is essential to ensure flight safety, national security, and the security of the President.”
With the number of violations rising, NORAD is urging general aviation pilots to remain vigilant and informed of airspace restrictions—especially when the president is on the move.
