WASHINGTON – The White House on Dec 16 sought to calm growing public panic over mystery drones reported across parts of the United States, insisting that the objects were flying legally and dismissing allegations of a government cover-up.
The sightings, which have sparked mass speculation and concern, gained even more attention after President-elect Donald Trump suggested the U.S. government was withholding information. “The government knows what is happening,” Trump said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, claiming, “Our military knows and our president knows. And for some reason they want to keep people in suspense.”
Trump, who is set to assume office on Jan 20, speculated that the drones were not linked to “the enemy,” adding, “If it was the enemy, they’d blast it out. But something strange is going on.” He also noted that drones had been seen over his golf property in Bedminster, New Jersey, prompting him to cancel plans to visit the site over the weekend.
White House Insists No Security Threat
Outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration has faced mounting criticism for its delayed response, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby addressing the matter on Dec 16. Kirby assured reporters that the government was being “open and transparent” about the drones, adding that investigations indicated the flying objects posed no security risk.
“We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, law enforcement drones, and misidentified manned aircraft, helicopters, or even stars,” Kirby explained.
He added that the assessment came after law enforcement officials thoroughly examined data and tips from concerned citizens.
Mounting Criticism, Arrests, and Speculation
Despite government assurances, public concern continues to grow, fueled by viral footage and conspiracy theories circulating online. Sightings have been reported in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Virginia, with video clips clogging social media feeds.
Top U.S. officials have rejected theories of foreign involvement, including speculation about Iranian or Chinese “motherships” launching drones. Nonetheless, the Biden administration faced criticism from within its own ranks, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling on Dec 15 for measures to make it easier for authorities to “bring down” drones that pose potential threats.
Adding to the tension, Boston police announced that two Massachusetts men were arrested on Dec 14 for operating drones near Logan International Airport in what authorities described as a “hazardous drone operation.”
Trump Weighs In as White House Addresses Concerns
Trump’s remarks have further stoked public curiosity. The president-elect previously urged authorities in a Dec 13 social media post to disclose the origin of the drones. On Dec 16, he reiterated his stance, claiming that “something strange” is happening and calling for transparency.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas previously addressed the public on Dec 15, assuring that there was no evidence the drones posed a national security threat. “If we identify any concerns, we will communicate with the American public accordingly,” Mayorkas said.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration continues its efforts to dispel fears as the story garners international attention. Though the government maintains that most drones were operating legally, the mystery remains unresolved, keeping the public on edge and feeding speculation about the strange aerial phenomena.