Fighter Jets Guard Trump in NJ as 11 Planes Breach Restricted Airspace

Over the holiday weekend, fighter jets scrambled to protect the skies above Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Trump was staying, as 11 unauthorized aircraft breached the temporary flight restriction (TFR) airspace. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported three significant intercepts on Sunday alone, with one civilian plane escorted out at 10:30 a.m. and two others later in the day.

These incursions highlight a troubling disregard for aviation protocols. NORAD’s fighter jets, using maneuvers like the 'headbutt'—where a military jet flies close to signal a course change—safely guided offending aircraft out of restricted zones. On Saturday, another plane was diverted just before 2:40 p.m. after a similar maneuver.

General Gregory Guillot, NORAD and US Northern Command Commander, emphasized the critical need for pilots to check Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) before flying. 'The excessive violations this weekend show some pilots are skipping this mandatory step,' he said, urging stricter adherence to ensure national security and presidential safety.

Pilots entering restricted airspace are instructed to tune to frequency 121.5 or 243.0 for immediate guidance. NORAD stressed that compliance with TFR protocols is non-negotiable, regardless of aircraft type or location, to maintain safe skies across North America.