As mysterious drone sightings continue to be reported across the United States, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has raised questions about the terminology being used to describe these aerial phenomena, adding fuel to an already heated debate. Greene's comments, posted on X (formerly Twitter), come amid widespread public concern and official reassurances that the sightings pose no national security threat.
"Why are they calling them drones?" Greene wrote. "For a long time, it was UFO [unidentified flying object], then it became UAP [unidentified aerial phenomenon]. Ever since these things started being seen in NJ, the term used has been 'drone.' Who made that the official term and why? That seems to convey knowing what they are versus using an acronym starting with a 'U' that stands for unidentified."
Reports of drone activity began surfacing in mid-November, with more than 5,000 sightings recorded across states like New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, as well as Ohio, Florida, and California. The sightings have led to increased pressure on federal agencies to provide clarity.
White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby addressed the concerns during a press briefing, stating that the sightings likely include a mix of "lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, law enforcement drones, manned fixed-wing aircrafts, helicopters, and even stars that were mistakenly reported as drones." Kirby emphasized that no anomalies or threats have been detected in civilian airspace.
President Joe Biden echoed these sentiments, describing the incidents as "nothing nefarious apparently" and assuring the public there is "no sense of danger." However, skepticism persists, fueled in part by figures like Greene and President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump, known for his straightforward style, took to Truth Social, writing: "Mystery Drone Sightings all over the country. Can this really be happening without our government's knowledge? I don't think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!"
Greene also called for direct action, posting, "I'll shoot the drones down myself along with every other red-blooded freedom-loving American."
Officials, however, caution against such measures. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily banned drone activity over critical infrastructure sites in New York and New Jersey, citing "precautionary" measures while investigations continue. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stressed that no malicious activity has been detected but added, the action is "purely precautionary."
Despite government reassurances, public unease remains high. Social media has become a battleground for debates about the true nature of the sightings, with conspiracy theories ranging from foreign espionage to government cover-ups. Greene's comments have sparked a flurry of reactions online, with critics mocking her for what they called "unfounded speculation."
One user commented, "You have surpassed yourself. You have reached a new level of stupidity, real mind-numbing stupidity." Others offered more pointed critiques, suggesting her remarks were "a distraction from real issues."
Federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, continue to investigate the sightings. An FBI spokesperson recently clarified that most reports of unidentified aerial systems (UAS) originated from individuals on the ground, with only a small number coming from pilots of manned aircraft.
