Trump National security adviser: Drone incident highlights US airspace security gaps

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's choice for national security adviser, Michael Walz, said Sunday that the spate of drone sightings in New Jersey and other U.S. states highlights gaps in U.S. airspace security that need to be closed.

Officials from the White House, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security stressed on Saturday that most of the recent drone sightings reported by witnesses in New Jersey and nearby states involved manned aircraft and there was no evidence of any national security threat.

But lawmakers, including some fellow Democrats, have expressed frustration that the administration has not been more transparent and aggressive in assuaging public concerns.

In an interview on CBS News' Face the Nation Sunday, Walz said Americans are increasingly frustrated with the Biden administration for not being clear about what they have on drone reports.

"The drone issue shows a gap between federal agencies, a gap in authority between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement and the Department of Defense," he said.

"President Trump has talked about building an Iron Dome missile defense system in the United States. We also need to deal with drones, not just hypersonic missiles."

Woltz was referring to an Israeli air defense system. Israel's Iron Dome defense system is a mobile air defense system developed with U.S. support and designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells that endanger populated areas.

Drone sightings began in New Jersey in mid-November and have expanded to Maryland, Massachusetts and other U.S. states in recent days. The sightings attracted media attention and prompted the Facebook platform to create a page called "New Jersey Mystery Drone - Let's Solve It," which has nearly 70,000 online members.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary James Mayorkas said his department has deployed personnel and technology for the effort.

Mayorkas told ABC News, "If there is any cause for concern, if we find any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will let the American people know." No such cases have been detected."

Simms, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, played down concerns about U.S. enemies flying drones over American cities, saying they could use satellites to safely and easily spy on the country.

But Simms also said the Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates civilian airspace, should do more to ease public concerns.

Democratic Senator Klobuchar urged the Biden administration to hold a briefing for senators to explain the situation, saying, "We need more transparency."