Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a sweeping drone detection effort led by the Trump administration, sharply contrasting it with the Biden administration’s failure to provide answers during the 2024 drone mystery. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be conducting detection tests involving over 100 drones in Cape May, New Jersey, running through April 25.
Duffy emphasized the administration’s “radical transparency” in handling airspace safety, noting the widespread public concern over unexplained drone sightings last year. During the Biden presidency, federal agencies failed to clearly identify the purpose or origin of drones flying over states like New Jersey. A joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security and FBI claimed there was no foreign threat, but did not explain the activity. That lack of clarity left Americans alarmed and distrustful.
President Trump’s Department of Transportation has committed to informing the public with direct updates and behind-the-scenes access to government safety operations. Secretary Duffy, formerly a U.S. Representative and now leading the DOT, confirmed that affected residents have been notified about the current tests. The FAA will operate drones ranging from small commercial types to large uncrewed aerial vehicles, focusing on how to detect and track them without interfering with aircraft navigation systems.
The FAA testing is taking place over water near the Cape May Ferry Terminal during daytime hours on weekdays. Technologies being evaluated include Remote ID systems, acoustic arrays, and radar capabilities to track drone activity. The administration has issued advisories for recreational drone users to stay clear of testing zones.
The FAA plans to expand these detection efforts to other states later this year, including New Mexico, Mississippi, and North Dakota. This initiative marks a clear shift toward transparency and preparedness in national airspace management under President Trump’s leadership.
