What is FAA? White House reveals mysterious New Jersey drones were authorised for “research”

President Trump revealed from the White House that the mysterious drones spotted in New Jersey were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

A statement from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, issued on behalf of Trump, cited "research" for the drones flying over New Jersey, though there were no other details mentioned.

The responsibility of the FAA reads as follows, as mentioned on the official website:

"The mission of the FAA is to regulate civil aviation and U.S. commercial space transportation, maintain and operate air traffic control and navigation systems for both civil and military aircrafts, and develop and administer programs relating to aviation safety and the National Airspace System."

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Here's everything we know about the FAA-authorised New Jersey drones

Leavitt stood for her first press briefing on Tuesday, where she delivered the following statement on behalf of the president:

"I do have news directly from the president of the United States that was just shared with me in the Oval Office, from President Trump directly, an update on the New Jersey drones," Leavitt said. "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," Leavitt read. “Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones. And in time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.”

Concerns about the mysterious drones date back to November and December, when these machines were spotted all along the East Coast, most of which was in New Jersey. However, reports of sightings also came from Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Virginia, and Ohio.

The worry was so rampant at the time that the New York Stewart International Airport briefly shut down on December 13 for an hour "due to drone activity in the airspace," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. The previous Biden administration also asserted that the drones did not pose a threat to national security, though they didn't dish out further details.

Just this past December, the FBI revealed that they became privy to well over 5,000 reports of drone citings, as reported by BBC. In response, the FAA instituted a temporary ban on drone flights across 22 cities in January.

In December, Trump also questioned the Biden administration, accusing them of knowing more than they were letting on about the drones.

"They know where it came from and where it went," Trump said, per BBC. "And for some reason, they don't want to comment. And I think they'd be better off saying what it is. Our military knows, and our president knows. And for some reason, they want to keep people in suspense."

Days before his inauguration, he pledged to let the nation know the status of the drones and what they were being used for "about one day" into being sworn into office. He continued:

"I think it’s ridiculous that they are not telling you about what’s going on with the drones."

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At the time of writing, it remains unclear exactly what research is being conducted with the use of FAA-authorised drones.