Mystery drones spark panic that Iran may be targeting top Trump officials' homes

Officials detected multiple unidentified drones above Fort Lesley J. McNair, the U.S. Army base where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth live, prompting heightened security measures and White House deliberations on potential relocation of the officials, according to sources briefed on the situation.

The drones appeared on a single night within the past 10 days as the military heightened alert levels following U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran. Officials have not determined the drones' origin, though the sightings triggered a White House meeting to discuss response options, reported the Washington Post.

The Fort McNair incident reflects broader security escalation across military installations nationwide. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and MacDill Air Force Base in Florida elevated their force protection levels to Charlie — indicating intelligence suggests possible attack or danger. Delta, the highest alert level, applies when attacks have occurred or are anticipated.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined to discuss the drones or secretaries' security arrangements, stating, "The department cannot comment on the secretary's movements for security reasons, and reporting on such movements is grossly irresponsible."

MacDill Air Force Base, home to U.S. Central Command overseeing operations against Iran, experienced two lockdowns this week. The FBI is investigating a suspicious package that closed the base's visitors center Monday, and an unspecified security incident prompted a shelter-in-place order Wednesday.

The State Department ordered all U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide to immediately conduct security evaluations Tuesday, citing "the ongoing and developing situation in the Middle East and the potential for spillover effects."

Fort McNair, which houses the National Defense University and senior Pentagon officials, has not traditionally accommodated political leaders. However, growing numbers of Trump administration officials, including outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have relocated to area bases citing security concerns. The base's proximity to Capitol Hill and the White House provides convenience but lacks the safety buffer of more remote installations.

Similar drone threats emerged previously as Iranian leaders sought retaliation for the 2020 U.S. strike killing Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. During the 2024 campaign, Secret Service details protecting Trump repeatedly encountered unidentified drones. That September, officials warned Trump that Iran sought to kill him and had multiple kill teams in the country, though no confirmed Iranian connection was established to assassination attempts that year.