White House Confirms FAA Authorized Mystery Drones Over Northeast

The Trump administration revealed that many drones reported in late 2024 were approved for research, with no evidence of national security threats.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that drones spotted across New Jersey and nearby states were authorized by the FAA for research and other purposes.
The sightings, which began in November 2024, included drones flown by hobbyists and private individuals, with curiosity contributing to increased activity.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and DHS, determined that most reports were misidentified aircraft, stars, or legally operated drones, posing no public safety or national security risks.
Temporary flight restrictions were implemented in affected areas, but these have since been lifted despite ongoing sightings in January 2025.
The announcement raised questions about the FAA's initial silence and the specifics of the research conducted by the authorized drones.