President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to provide the public with answers about the recent wave of mystery drone sightings, including those across New Jersey, promising to address the issue early in his second term.
“I’m going to give you a report on drones about one day into the administration,” Trump said Thursday evening at a gathering of Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago resort. “Because I think it’s ridiculous that they are not telling you about what is going on with the drones.”
Drone sightings surged in New Jersey late last year, with reports of uncrewed aircraft appearing in restricted airspace and near critical infrastructure. However, the story has cooled in recent weeks as federal agencies have provided little clarity on the issue.
While federal officials, including those at the White House and Defense Department, have suggested the sightings may involve a mix of lawful drones, aircraft, or even stars, Trump called the lack of transparency “suspenseful” and urged action.
In a December post on Truth Social, he wrote: “Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, [shoot] them down!!!”
Experts, however, caution that shooting down drones could pose safety risks, leaving state officials and the public still waiting for definitive answers.