US Forces Deploy Air Defense Systems at Mar-a-Lago

American military forces have positioned ground-based air defense equipment at Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach County club that serves as Donald Trump's private residence. According to information released by WPTV, an NBC affiliate, some missile systems are aboard several barges near Mar-a-Lago and near Palm Beach International Airport. The Secret Service said the deployment was carried out jointly by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD, and US Northern Command. The agency did not provide further specifics about the equipment.

The Secret Service said in a statement that it operates in a high-risk environment and continually adapts protection operations to incorporate new tools, technology and methods. The agency said NORAD and US Northern Command provide anti-drone system capabilities to support its protective operations at the agency's request.

Security at the property has been tight since September 2024, when Secret Service personnel found a person carrying a long-range rifle in the bushes while aiming at Trump. That security posture remains in place. WPTV also reported that from the first day of Trump's second term through the present, more than 60 aircraft detected violating temporary flight restrictions around Palm Beach have been escorted by Air Force pilots to land so their intentions could be checked.

The White House has not confirmed whether the president will return to Mar-a-Lago this weekend for the annual Halloween event. Palm Beach authorities announced that South Ocean Boulevard will remain closed between South County Road and Southern Boulevard starting Friday at 5 a.m.

The deployment adds another layer of hardware around the property where Trump has maintained his residence since leaving office. Palm Beach County has hosted the club for decades, and federal and local officials have managed security there through multiple visits by Trump during his second term.