On April 4, 2025, an F-16 fighter jet used a “headbutt maneuver” to intercept a civilian aircraft flying too close to Mar-a-Lago, where former President Donald Trump was staying. The maneuver involves the jet flying extremely close and cutting in front of the intruding aircraft.
According to officials, “flares were used to communicate with the civilian pilot,” who was then safely guided out of restricted airspace. The U.S. military has monitored the skies around Mar-a-Lago since Trump’s inauguration, dealing with more than 20 airspace violations.
The FAA enforces Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during presidential visits to maintain airspace security. These zones are off-limits to unauthorized aircraft for safety reasons.
This incident underscores the serious security measures taken to protect the former President. As stated, “such measures ensure national security and protect the President’s safety.”
