White House confirms New Jersey drones were authorized by FAA

In late 2024, a series of aerial sightings triggered concern among residents in New Jersey as numerous drones flew across the state and other regions on the East Coast. These mysterious drones raised alarms, prompting temporary flight restrictions and discussions surrounding their origins and purposes. In early 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt officially reported that many of these drones were, in fact, authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration for various reasons, including research and recreational activities. Leavitt emphasized that the majority of the drones did not pose a threat to public safety. The White House's clarification followed extensive scrutiny of the drone activities, which began being reported in November 2024. The alarming drone sightings eventually led to the closing of New York Stewart International Airport due to safety concerns regarding aircraft operations in close proximity to drone activity. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York appealed for federal support to address the situation that was described as having escalated out of control. Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy urged federal lawmakers to empower state and local officials in leveraging detection technology to manage drone use effectively in the airspace. Confusion about the drones led to speculation and misinformation, with political figures such as Representative Jeff Van Drew alleging possible foreign involvement, specifically claiming that the drones could belong to Iran. However, these assertions were categorically denied by the Department of Defense and officials on both state and federal levels, who clarified that there was no national security threat posed by the aerial activities in question. The incidents drew widespread attention, especially as the public awaited transparent communication from governance, reflecting a desire for understanding and security. In response to the increasing sightings and public concern, government agencies, including the FBI, FAA, and Department of Homeland Security, issued a multi-agency statement. This documented their investigation, confirming that the activities largely comprised lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement assets, alongside manned aircraft operations. As the reports revealed a mixture of different aircraft types, officials sought to reassure the public while reinforcing the need for legislative measures that adapt to the evolving landscape of drone usage in both private and commercial aviation.