U.S. F-16s intercept aircraft near Trump's New Jersey golf club

Two U.S. F-16 fighter jets intercepted two civilian aircraft that violated temporary flight restrictions in the vicinity of Bedminster, New Jersey, where former President Donald Trump was present. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the incident, stating that both aircraft were safely escorted out of the restricted zone.

The flight restrictions were in place due to Trump's weekend visit to his golf club, which was also hosting the LIV Golf New York tournament. NORAD reminded pilots of their obligation to consult Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporary flight restrictions before every flight, emphasizing the importance of checking NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen).

A video circulating on social media appeared to show an F-16 fighter jet approaching a small Cessna aircraft near Jefferson Township, close to Bedminster. This incident echoes a similar security alert at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, approximately four and a half months prior.

In the earlier incident, F-16s were deployed to intercept a civilian aircraft violating restricted airspace while Trump was at his golf club. Military fighter jets released flares over the Florida coast, a standard procedure in situations involving a lack of communication, to gain the intruder pilot's attention. NORAD reiterated that pilots, in case of interception, must tune into frequencies 121.5 or 243.0 and follow instructions.