F-16 Jets Intercept Plane Near Trump's Florida Home

Flares fired to get pilot's attention after airspace violation near Mar-a-Lago

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:08pm

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Two F-16 fighter jets from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) were dispatched on Sunday to intercept a civilian aircraft that violated the temporary flight restriction (TFR) airspace over Palm Beach, Florida, where former President Donald Trump was staying at his Mar-a-Lago resort. The jets fired flares to get the pilot's attention and safely escorted the plane out of the restricted area.

Why it matters

Airspace violations near the president's residence are an ongoing security concern, with numerous such incidents occurring since Trump's re-election in 2024. This latest incident highlights the need for heightened vigilance and enforcement to protect restricted airspace around the former president's private residence.

The details

The civilian aircraft entered the TFR airspace around 1:15 pm Eastern time. NORAD said the F-16 jets "dispensed flares" to communicate with the pilot and guide the plane out of the restricted zone. The Secret Service confirmed there was no threat to Trump or his aircraft, which was parked at Palm Beach International Airport.

  • The airspace violation occurred around 1:15 pm Eastern on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

NORAD

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, a joint U.S.-Canada organization responsible for monitoring and defending the airspace over North America.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who was staying at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida during the airspace violation.

2nd Lt. Tyler Turnmire

A spokesperson for NORAD who provided details about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“During the intercept, NORAD aircraft dispensed flares, which may have been visible to the public. The flares were used to draw attention from or communicate with the pilot.”

— 2nd Lt. Tyler Turnmire, NORAD Spokesperson

What’s next

NORAD and the U.S. Secret Service will likely review the incident and consider additional measures to enforce the TFR and prevent future airspace violations near the former president's residence.

The takeaway

This latest airspace violation near Mar-a-Lago underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by authorities tasked with protecting former presidents, and the need for robust enforcement of restricted airspace rules to ensure the safety of both the public and the former commander-in-chief.