White House Claims ‘Drone Activity Is Legal’ Despite Airport Closures and Growing Public Suspicion

A White House official has downplayed growing alarm over mysterious drone sightings across the United States, insisting that the activity is both “legal” and “lawful.” Despite these assurances, incidents where military bases and airports have been temporarily shut down have fueled speculation about the drones' origins and intentions.

John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, addressed the concerns in an appearance on Fox News, stating that extensive government assessments revealed no irregular activity.

“Our assessment is that this is lawful, legal, commercial, hobbyist, and even law enforcement aircraft activity,” Kirby said. He added that the drones include both manned and unmanned aircraft, flying in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

However, public concern remains high, particularly after drone activity caused disruptions at major U.S. facilities, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio and Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey.

Bases and Airports Impacted by Drone Activity

In recent weeks, drone sightings have caused temporary shutdowns at key military installations and airports. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of the largest and most strategically significant bases in the country, suspended operations after a series of unexplained drone flights over the area. Similar disruptions occurred at Picatinny Arsenal and Stewart Airfield in New York, where runways were closed as a precaution.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the concerns, stating, “This has gone too far,” after drones disrupted air traffic at Stewart Airfield late Friday night. Air traffic control recordings revealed that officials instructed pilots to “use extreme caution” due to heavy drone activity in the area.

Despite Kirby’s reassurances, reports of drones behaving unusually—such as flying in coordinated patterns or emitting no heat signatures—have heightened fears among residents and officials alike. Some observers noted strange effects on car electronics, clocks, and other smaller drones, suggesting unexplained technological interference.

Public Speculation and Government Criticism

Former President-elect Donald Trump added to the controversy by asserting that the federal government knows more about the drones than it is sharing. “The government knows what is happening but is hiding the truth from the public,” Trump said in a recent statement.

The public’s skepticism has spread widely on social media, where theories range from secret military operations to foreign surveillance. Many netizens expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from officials.

User @LibertyWatchUSA tweeted, “The White House says it’s legal, but drones shutting down airfields and bases? Something doesn’t add up.”

On the other hand, @AviationSafety2024 argued, “Most drones are hobbyist or commercial. The hysteria over this issue is out of control.”

User @TruthSeeker2023 wrote, “Drones ‘the size of cars’ with no heat signature? That’s not normal. We deserve answers.”

Meanwhile, @JustTheFacts defended Kirby’s remarks: “If it’s legal and monitored, people need to calm down. Drones are part of modern life.”

User @HiddenAgendaUSA added, “They’re hiding something. Bases don’t shut down for ‘hobbyist drones.’ This is a cover-up.”

Finally, @TechInquirer commented, “Drones are changing warfare and surveillance. We need stricter laws, not vague reassurances.”

What Lies Behind the Drone Mystery?

While the White House maintains that the activity is lawful, the wave of drone sightings and subsequent disruptions raises questions about transparency and oversight. Skeptics argue that coordinated patterns and unusual drone behavior point to secretive government operations or advanced technology tests.

For now, Kirby’s statements have done little to quell public unease. As reports continue to emerge, demands for a clearer explanation from federal officials and military leaders are likely to grow. Whether these drones are harmless or indicative of something larger remains a mystery.