The recent mystery surrounding drone sightings across New Jersey and the East Coast has been addressed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during her first press briefing that these drones were "authorized to be flown by the FAA." This announcement comes amid public curiosity and speculation about the drones, which sparked reports as early as late 2024.

Leavitt emphasized that many of the drones were operated by hobbyists and private individuals, stating, "This was not the enemy." This statement, relayed directly from President Trump, aims to clear up confusion that arose when drones were repeatedly spotted hovering over sensitive areas in New Jersey and neighboring states.

Reports of these drones began in mid-November 2024, coinciding with heightened public concern regarding potential threats to national security. The situation attracted significant media attention, with over 5,000 sightings reported to the FBI. Initial speculation ranged from ordinary hobbyists to theories of foreign surveillance. In response, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that previous assessments suggested the drones posed no danger.

During her briefing, Leavitt remarked, “In time, it got worse due to curiosity,” further reflecting on how public fears escalated despite reassurances from federal agencies. Trump previously expressed frustration that the Biden administration was withholding information about the sightings, suggesting the military had better insights into the matter. However, official evaluations indicated that what was reported as drones included a combination of lawful activities from commercial drones, helicopters, and even misidentified stars.

As a precaution, temporary flight restrictions were placed in several areas of New Jersey, particularly around critical infrastructure. The FAA and various state lawmakers have assured that investigations revealed no foreign interference or security threats associated with these sightings. Previous statements from the Biden administration confirmed this, noting that numerous reported incidents were misinterpretations of lawful aerial activities.

In conclusion, while the initial drone sightings generated a media frenzy and speculation, federal authorities, including Leavitt, have put forth a confident narrative: the drones were authorized, operated mostly by civilians, and did not represent a security risk, effectively putting to rest lingering theories of foreign involvement or conspiracy.

For more details, refer to the original articles from The Guardian, Forbes, and CBS News.