A recent incident over President Donald Trump’s Bedminster retreat has raised eyebrows and sparked renewed calls for vigilance among pilots.

Summary

• NORAD intercepted an aircraft violating restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, on Saturday.
• The incident was one of five airspace violations that day, with President Trump at his golf club.
• A standard “headbutt” maneuver escorted the plane out of the restricted zone.
• NORAD and FAA urge pilots to check NOTAMs to avoid such incidents.
• The event underscores the importance of protecting presidential airspace.

Incident Over Bedminster

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) fighter jet intercepted a civilian aircraft that breached the temporary flight restriction (TFR) zone over Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Donald Trump was spending the holiday weekend at his Trump National Golf Club. 

The violation occurred just before 2:40 p.m. ET, marking the fourth of five unauthorized entries into restricted airspace that day.

Swift NORAD Response

NORAD’s layered defense system, utilizing radar, satellites, and fighter aircraft, sprang into action to protect U.S. skies. The F-16 jet employed a standard “headbutt” maneuver, flying close but safely in front of the civilian plane to signal the pilot to change course. All five aircraft involved in the day’s violations were compliant and safely escorted out, according to NORAD. 

“NORAD and the [Federal Aviation Administration] aim to keep the skies over America safe, with close attention paid to areas with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) to ensure flight safety, national security, and the security of the President,” said Gen. Guillot.

Pilot Accountability Urged

The string of violations prompted strong warnings from officials. 

“If you’re flying anywhere near Bedminster, NJ, you’d better check NOTAMs 1353, 1358, 2246, and 2247,” 1st Air Force posted on X. “No excuses! Stay sharp, stay legal, and stay out of restricted airspace.” 

The FAA and NORAD emphasized that pilots must review Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to avoid endangering national security.

Protecting Presidential Airspace

With President Trump in Bedminster after celebrating Independence Day at the White House, the restricted airspace was critical for his safety. The repeated incursions highlight the need for heightened pilot awareness. 

“It is critically important for North American flight safety that Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violations are avoided,” NORAD stated, reinforcing the mandatory adherence to FAA protocols.

This incident serves as a stark reminder: vigilance in the skies is non-negotiable when it comes to protecting America’s leadership.