The White House has confirmed that the drones spotted over New Jersey late last year—causing widespread public alarm—were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and did not pose a threat.

During her first White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the situation, saying that after a thorough review, officials determined the drones were conducting authorized research and other approved operations. Her statement followed former President Donald Trump’s December remarks questioning the lack of transparency regarding the sightings.

In response to public concern, the FAA had implemented temporary flight restrictions over critical infrastructure. Those restrictions have since been lifted. Leavitt emphasized that officials in the previous administration had also maintained that the drone activity was not a security risk.

“Many of these drones were used by hobbyists and private individuals,” she said. “Public curiosity contributed to the growing number of sightings, but these were not hostile aircraft.”

Reports of drone activity surfaced in at least six states, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio. Additionally, arrests were made in Massachusetts and California for drone operations near restricted areas.

According to FAA records, the sightings began on November 18 in Morris County, New Jersey. Local officials reported continued activity nightly, with residents describing drones flying overhead, sometimes in coordinated clusters.

Despite the public’s alarm, federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, suggested that many reports were likely cases of mistaken identity. They believe members of the public may have confused legally operated small aircraft with drones.