Eleven Aircraft Breach Restricted Airspace Over Trump NJ Retreat

During President Donald Trump's July Fourth weekend visit to his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, 11 civilian aircraft violated the temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the area, prompting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to scramble fighter jets. One F-16 jet executed a "headbutt" maneuver—a close but safe interception technique—to visually alert and escort a civilian aircraft out of the restricted airspace. NORAD emphasized that these violations are unacceptable and urged pilots to carefully review Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to avoid such incursions, noting that repeated violations strain military resources and cost taxpayers approximately $50,000 per F-16 scramble. The violations occurred despite prior warnings and TFR announcements designed to ensure national security and the safety of the president. NORAD commanders stressed the mandatory nature of TFR procedures and advised intercepted pilots to immediately communicate with military frequencies and comply with instructions. This incident reflects ongoing challenges in enforcing restricted airspace around presidential locations, with similar breaches having occurred previously at Mar-a-Lago.