The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that its F-16 fighter aircraft intercepted two general aviation aircraft on Sunday after the planes entered temporary flight restriction (TFR) airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey. The area is home to President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf club.
According to an official news release from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, the aircraft violated the TFR and were safely escorted out of the restricted area by NORAD aircraft.
“NORAD F-16s intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft today that violated temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster, NJ. All aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft. Pilots: check your Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions,” the agency said in a statement.
The temporary flight restrictions had been established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in connection with President Donald Trump’s presence in the area. Trump arrived at his Bedminster golf club on the evening of August 7 and was scheduled to depart for Washington later on August 9 after attending the LIV Golf New York tournament, which the club hosted from August 6 to August 9.
U.S Fighter jets recently intercepted planes violating flight restrictions over Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Trump is staying this weekend. pic.twitter.com/GJcDH1J7WD
— Pacific Wire (@ChynoNews) August 9, 2026
Video footage circulated online showing an F-16 fighter jet approaching what appeared to be a small aircraft, consistent with descriptions of a Cessna, near Jefferson Township outside Bedminster. Officials emphasized that the interceptions followed standard procedures for enforcing airspace restrictions.
In its formal statement, NORAD outlined the expected response for pilots who encounter an intercept. “Should NORAD aircraft intercept a general aviation aircraft, the pilot should immediately come up on frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and turn around to reverse course until receiving additional instructions on one of those frequencies,” the statement read.
The command also reiterated that “General aviation pilots are reminded to check Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, before each flight as required by the FAA, and TFR procedures must be followed.” The Continental U.S. NORAD Region serves as the operational lead for such missions.
NORAD declined to characterize whether the pilots involved had made an error, stating that determination rests with the FAA. Pilots are required to consult FAA resources for current information on temporary airspace restrictions.
Temporary flight restrictions are routinely issued by the FAA to limit aircraft operations in designated areas during presidential movements, major events, or other security-related circumstances. These restrictions are published in advance through Notices to Airmen. NORAD, a binational U.S.-Canadian organization, employs a network of radars, satellites, fighter aircraft, and other assets to monitor and respond to activity in North American airspace.
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