Buttigieg Downplays NJ Drone Reports, Sparking Local Backlash

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg found himself in hot water this week after dismissing widespread reports of mysterious drones over New Jersey, suggesting the Garden State would be an unlikely choice for unusual aerial activity. His comments came as federal agencies grapple with over 5,000 reported sightings since mid-November.

“I mean no disrespect to New Jersey when I say I think it’s very unlikely that an alien invasion would begin in New Jersey,” Buttigieg said during an appearance on The Breakfast Club radio show, reports The Daily Beast.

The comment immediately drew pushback from the show’s hosts, including DJ Envy, who defended his home state.

Rather than defusing concerns, Buttigieg’s attempt at humor sparked fresh debate about the government’s handling of the ongoing aerial mystery. When pressed by host Charlamagne tha God about what authorities know, the Transportation Secretary pivoted to a broader discussion of airspace management.

“There’s millions of things in the national airspace,” he said, avoiding specific details about the investigation.

The exchange highlighted growing tensions between federal officials and local residents seeking answers about the SUV-sized craft reported across the tri-state area. A joint task force including the Department of Homeland Security, FAA, FBI, and Department of Defense has been tracking the reports since November 18, though explanations remain elusive.

“What if they’ve been watching us for years already?” Charlamagne challenged, reflecting widespread public skepticism about official explanations. Buttigieg’s suggestion that remote Pacific islands would make more strategic sense for mysterious aerial activity did little to satisfy concerned residents.

The sightings have particular significance given New Jersey’s proximity to major airports and critical infrastructure. Current FAA regulations strictly limit drone operations in such sensitive airspace, making the volume and persistence of reports especially puzzling to aviation experts.

Meanwhile, local officials have found themselves caught between concerned constituents and federal authorities who seem reluctant to provide detailed explanations. The scale of the response – involving four major federal agencies – suggests authorities are taking the situation seriously, despite Buttigieg’s seemingly dismissive public stance.

For now, the investigation continues, with federal agencies sorting through thousands of civilian reports while monitoring some of the nation’s busiest airspace. Buttigieg’s comments, intended to calm public speculation, instead underscore the challenges officials face in addressing unexplained aerial phenomena without appearing to dismiss public concerns.

A joint statement from the investigating agencies acknowledges the high volume of reports but has yet to offer concrete explanations for the sightings. As speculation continues, Buttigieg’s attempted joke about aliens has inadvertently highlighted a serious issue: the government’s struggle to monitor and identify unauthorized drone activity in critical airspace.