F-16 intercepts civilian aircraft over Trump golf club in New Jersey

A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet intercepted a general aviation aircraft that violated restricted airspace over President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on July 5, 2025, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:39 p.m. local time (1839 GMT), marking the fifth unauthorized incursion of the day into the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone established around the Trump National Golf Club.

In a statement, NORAD said:

“A North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) fighter aircraft intercepted a general aviation aircraft that violated Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey. This intercept followed three earlier TFR violations and preceded one additional violation later in the day.”

The intercepting F-16 executed a “headbutt” maneuver—a standard military tactic involving close, visible passes in front of an intruding aircraft to gain the pilot’s attention. The civilian aircraft was then safely escorted out of the restricted zone without further incident.

Established during presidential visits and other high-security events, TFR zones are designed to protect airspace around sensitive locations. Violating such restrictions can prompt swift military responses, especially when the sitting U.S. president is present.

NORAD, a bi-national U.S.-Canadian organization, oversees North American airspace using a network of satellites, radar systems, and aircraft to detect and respond to potential aerial threats.

No details have yet been released about the aircraft involved or its pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to follow up with an investigation.The post F-16 intercepts civilian aircraft over Trump golf club in New Jersey appeared first on AeroTime.

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