A recent CBS News/YouGov poll reveals that 78% of Americans believe the government is withholding information about the recent surge in drone sightings along the U.S. East Coast. About half of respondents view the drones as a potential national security threat, with concerns heightened among those suspecting foreign involvement.
According to federal agencies, residents have documented more than 5,000 drone sightings in recent weeks.
Officials say the majority of incidents involve lawful drones, misidentified aircraft or celestial objects. Despite these assurances, public skepticism remains high.
The issue has drawn attention from Capitol Hill, where intelligence officials recently briefed lawmakers behind closed doors. Representatives from agencies like the CIA and Department of Defense stated there’s no evidence linking the drones to foreign actors or malicious activity.
White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby indicated the sightings likely involve commercial, hobbyist or law enforcement drones.
Some lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the briefing. Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., criticized the lack of detailed information. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., called for additional data to support claims that “manned aircraft” were mistaken for drones.
Speculation about foreign involvement persists. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, suggested some drones could be linked to China. McCaul described the drones as “adversarial.”
President-elect Donald Trump and others have called for transparency or immediate action to address the issue.
As investigations continue, the gap between official explanations and public perception remains significant. Federal agencies face mounting pressure to provide clearer answers as concerns about the sightings grow.