F-16s Scramble After Planes Breach No-Fly Zone Over Trump’s Golf Club

Fighter jets intercepted two civilian planes that strayed into restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, on Sunday while President Donald Trump was wrapping up a weekend stay at his golf club there.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a statement posted to X that its F-16s had responded to “multiple general aviation aircraft” violating temporary flight restrictions over the area. “All aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft,” the command said, urging pilots to “check your Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions.”

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… https://t.co/yac5sDTp1j

— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) August 9, 2026

First Air Force, which oversees NORAD’s continental air operations, put a firmer number on the incident, saying fighters “intercepted two aircraft violating restricted airspace over Bedminster, NJ.”

“Remember: Check NOTAMs before EVERY flight!” the command added.

Video circulating online appeared to capture one of the intercepts, showing an F-16 closing in on a small propeller plane outside Bedminster.

Trump arrived at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on Friday evening and was scheduled to return to Washington on Sunday. The club hosted the LIV Golf New York tournament this week, and the president attended Sunday’s final round.

Sunday’s incursions came despite ample warning. NORAD announced before the weekend that it would enforce multiple VIP flight restrictions established by the FAA over New Jersey, cautioning that its aircraft would “take the necessary action to gain compliance — a scenario we encourage all pilots to avoid.” The command also noted that Army ground-based defense equipment could be operating in the region as part of its layered defense posture.

Airspace violations have become a recurring problem during Trump’s visits to his properties. Just three weeks ago, more than 10 aircraft entered restricted airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford in a single day, with NORAD dispensing flares during two of the three intercepts.

Officials have not identified Sunday’s aircraft or those aboard, and there is no indication the violations were anything more than pilot error.