Press Secretary Leavitt gives clarity on NJ drones: 'Not the enemy'

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday announced that the myriad drones that attracted attention in New Jersey late last year were part of a research project authorized by the FAA.

During his first press briefing, Leavitt relayed information she received from President Donald Trump.

"After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons," she told reporters. "Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational, or private individuals that enjoy flying drones. In time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy."

The drone issue attracted a number of theories, including that they were for defense purposes or part of a foreign operation. The Biden administration declined to give concrete answers on their origins.