The mystery surrounding reported drone sightings in New Jersey last month has been solved. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the drones were authorized to fly by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Leavitt made the announcement in her first briefing from the White House press room on Tuesday, Jan. 28.  

“After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt said.

“Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones,” she added. “In time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.”

None of the reporters at Tuesday’s briefing asked follow-up questions about the FAA authorization of the drones.

Where were the drones spotted?

In December, drone sightings in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and other East Coast states prompted a demand for officials to find the source of the flying objects.

The FBI, the lead agency investigating the sightings, said it received several thousand tips of drones, some of which were spotted near military property.

In response to the public concern, the FAA enforced dozens of drone bans over critical infrastructure, which have since expired.

What did President Trump say about the drones?

President Donald Trump commented on the drones in December 2024, suggesting they be shot down.

“Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!,” Trump said on Truth Social.

How did lawmakers try to get answers?

In December, Straight Arrow News spoke with New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, R, who requested U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin provide a state military base with the tools it needs to take down the drones.

“This is a national security issue of the highest order and people need to have their concerns, which are very well founded, and I have them too, allayed,” Smith said. 

What was the Biden administration’s response?

The Biden administration said in a multiagency statement from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the FAA and the Department of Defense on Dec. 16, that though there were drones flying over New Jersey, they were a “combination” of lawful aerial activity.