Two Planes Intercepted Over Trump Golf Course
Two planes were intercepted by U.S. military jets just outside a no-fly zone near Bedminster, New Jersey, while President Donald Trump was vacationing at his golf resort Friday, according to local reports.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said F-16 fighter jets were deployed twice at 7:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. to intercept two single-engine civilian aircraft that had stopped responding to air traffic control and entered a restricted zone near the Trump National Golf Club.
Both pilots reestablished communication with air traffic control and left the area without incident.
The president began his vacation Friday afternoon, flying into Morristown, New Jersey, and taking a helicopter to the Trump National Golf Club. As is protocol when the president visits, a VIP Movement Notification was issued, implementing flight restrictions and road closures in the Bedminster and Morristown areas from 5 p.m. Friday until 5:45 p.m. Sunday.
Trump is expected back at the White House Sunday night. It is the president’s third visit to the golf course this summer.
The U.S. Air Force intercepted a small general aviation aircraft during the president’s last visit in July for entering a temporary no-fly zone. The intercepted plane landed safely at an airport in Pittstown, New Jersey, where local law enforcement met the pilot, NORAD said.
On that trip, President Trump made headlines when he surprised a bride and groom getting married at the Trump National Golf Club. He is scheduled to return to the golf club next Thursday for his annual 10-day vacation.
Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the military has conducted more than 1,800 intercepts of nonmilitary aircraft under Operation Noble Eagle.
The U.S. military was able to successfully intercept the two planes Friday without any disruption to President Trump’s vacation, showing the dedication of the U.S. military in protecting its citizens and its leaders.
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Now NORAD is reversing, saying there was a TFR violation tonight. Two of them actually. pic.twitter.com/tfZjrkFDTJ— Kurt Siegelin (@kurtsiegelin) August 3, 2019