Anti-Drone Laser in Palm Beach Will Protect Trump, Mar-a-Lago

Pentagon is reportedly weighing the use of similar systems across the U.S.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, April 01, 2026 at 01:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. [Credit: White House]

Key Takeaways:

An anti-drone laser system has been installed near Palm Beach International Airport to protect President Trump, his Mar-a-Lago estate, and commercial aircraft amid a rise in suspicious drone activity.
This deployment reflects a broader national increase in drone threats over U.S. military bases and sensitive sites, leading to heightened alert levels and security measures.
While these counter-drone systems are crucial, their experimental deployment has previously caused unannounced airspace closures and coordination challenges with civilian aviation authorities.
New Pentagon guidance and legislation are being introduced to streamline the deployment and enhance the effectiveness of anti-drone measures across federal, state, and local entities.

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A strange-looking installation atop a building near Palm Beach International Airport (KPBI) in Florida was revealed Tuesday to be an anti-drone laser, intended to protect President Donald Trump, his Mar-a-Lago estate, and commercial aircraft amid a rise in suspicious activity over U.S. military bases.

WPTV-TV in Palm Beach said it confirmed that the device is a counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) mechanism, though it is unclear when it was installed or whether it has been used.