Palm Beach, FL. — U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets were scrambled Sunday to intercept a civilian aircraft that entered restricted airspace over former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, according to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
This marks the second such incident in less than 48 hours, as federal authorities continue to enforce strict airspace security around the Palm Beach property, where Trump has been staying.
NORAD officials confirmed that the fighter jets successfully intercepted the unauthorized aircraft and escorted it out of the restricted zone without incident. The agency, responsible for defending U.S. and Canadian airspace, said that standard procedures were followed to ensure the safety of those in the air and on the ground.
“F-16 fighter aircraft under the direction of NORAD responded to a temporary flight restriction violation near Palm Beach, Florida,” NORAD said in a statement. “The aircraft was intercepted and escorted out of the restricted airspace.”
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are often put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure airspace around sitting and former presidents, particularly when they are visiting private residences. These restrictions are standard protocol and widely publicized to aviation communities to prevent accidental incursions.
While details about the intercepted aircraft, including its type and registration, were not immediately disclosed, NORAD noted that there was no threat to public safety as a result of the incident.
Sunday’s interception follows a similar incident reported on Friday when another aircraft violated the same restricted airspace, prompting a comparable military response. It is unclear whether the two incidents are related.
As Mar-a-Lago continues to serve as Trump’s primary residence and a location for public and private events, security around the property remains tight. Federal and local law enforcement coordinate closely to monitor the area, and NORAD maintains rapid response capabilities to address any potential airspace violations.
The FAA and Secret Service are expected to continue reviewing both incidents to determine whether further action or changes to current security measures are necessary.
