The skies above Bedminster, New Jersey — typically calm and heavily restricted when President Donald Trump is in residence — turned unexpectedly turbulent over the July 4 weekend, as North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported a staggering 11 separate airspace violations.
The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) around Trump’s Bedminster golf club was in effect during his stay following the White House Independence Day festivities. Despite the FAA issuing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) guidance, multiple civilian pilots breached the restricted zone — five on Saturday alone, and more through Sunday morning.
NORAD intercepted a plane violating a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over Bedminster, NJ on July 5, 2025. Pilots, a reminder to check FAA NOTAMs before you fly! ➡️ https://t.co/gCkz8RJmkY Fly informed. Fly safe. #NORAD #AviationSafety https://t.co/5wJvXXnbTA
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) July 5, 2025
In one incident, a NORAD F-16 was scrambled and forced to perform a “headbutt maneuver” — a close-quarters tactic where the military jet flies directly in front of a civilian aircraft to visually alert the pilot to alter course or follow instructions. The intercepted aircraft was safely escorted out of the area, but the implications of the breach are more serious than the peaceful resolution may suggest.
NORAD issued a stern rebuke following the weekend’s incidents, emphasizing that these TFRs exist for national security reasons — especially when the sitting president is present.
“It is critically important for North American flight safety that Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violations are avoided,” NORAD stated. “All pilots must familiarize themselves with updates to restricted airspace, including reviewing new and existing FAA NOTAMs. Adhering to FAA restricted airspace protocols is mandatory, regardless of geographical region, airframe, or aircrew.”
“Welcome to the No-Fly Zone. Can I interest you in a headbutt maneuver?” Five restricted airspace violations in one day. NORAD is out here doing laps. #bedminster pic.twitter.com/yTx6BBImQY
— Soldier of Fortune Magazine (@sofmagpublisher) July 5, 2025
While airspace violations during presidential visits are not unprecedented — incursions over Mar-a-Lago have occurred frequently since 2017 — 11 separate violations in a single weekend raises eyebrows. According to NORAD Vice Director of Operations Steven Armstrong, each F-16 scramble costs taxpayers an estimated $50,000 per sortie, meaning the weekend’s mistakes could cost over half a million dollars — a significant, avoidable expense.
The exact causes of the violations remain under review, but most are presumed to be pilot error or negligence, not malicious intent. Still, with high-level national security at stake, the frequency of these breaches suggests a concerning lapse in flight planning and situational awareness among general aviation pilots.
