Trump’s golf weekend sees F-16 ‘headbutt’ civilian plane from restricted skies in Bedminster

A civilian pilot flew into restricted airspace above President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster on Saturday afternoon. The US military confirmed an F-16 fighter jet intercepted the aircraft and steered it away. Trump was at the club for the holiday weekend.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) scrambled the fighter after the plane crossed into the temporary flight restriction (TFR) zone just before 2:40 p.m. local time. NORAD used radar, satellites and jets to track and respond.

Five incursions in one day

This was not an isolated case. NORAD said it was the fifth unauthorised entry into the restricted zone that day alone. To catch the civilian pilot’s attention, the F-16 carried out a ‘headbutt’ — a standard move where the fighter flies close to signal the pilot to change course.



The New York Post first reported the incident, quoting military sources. The aircraft left the area safely once escorted.

Warnings for civilian pilots

Repeated incidents like this have pushed NORAD to remind private pilots to pay attention to all official notices before flying near presidential airspace. In a firm message on X, 1st Air Force (America’s AOC) posted: “If you’re flying anywhere near Bedminster, NJ, you’d better check NOTAMs 1353, 1358, 2246, and 2247. No excuses! Stay sharp, stay legal, and stay out of restricted airspace.”

The airspace over Bedminster goes into lockdown each time Trump is present. NORAD’s layered defences are on constant watch.

Past breach near Trump’s Florida residence

This is not the first time a civilian aircraft has crossed the line near the former President. In March, a pilot flew over Trump’s Florida residence just after he finished playing golf at the West Palm Beach course. That time, the F-16s fired flares to alert the pilot and force a course change.

A day earlier, jets had intercepted another plane shortly after Trump landed at West Palm Beach from his private Mar-a-Lago club. None of these breaches have affected his schedule or security.

Command repeats security call

The flares used during interceptions are bright and can be seen from the ground but burn out fast. NORAD wants pilots to treat TFR zones seriously. General Gregory Guillot, Commander of NORAD and US Northern Command, made it clear: “Adherence to TFR procedures is essential to ensure flight safety, national security, and the security of the President.”

Since Trump’s inauguration, NORAD has flagged a steady rise in these incidents. The FAA, Department of Defense and NORAD did not respond to Fox News Digital when asked about the latest incursion.

For now, fighter jets stand ready if another pilot drifts where they shouldn’t.