Fact Check: Did the US military install surface-to-air missile systems at Mar-a-Lago?
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: A post on social media platforms claims the United States military has installed surface-to-air missile systems at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago. The claim has sparked concern and questions among online users, with many skeptical, prompting verification and fact-checking.
Claim: Military installs missile system at Mar-a-Lago
A rumor is circulating online claiming that the military deployed high-tech missile defense systems at and around Mar-a-Lago, a resort owned by Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida.
A Facebook post shared the claim that the surface-to-air missiles had been deployed "at the Secret Service's request after more than 60 airspace intercepts near the estate."
The claim has also spread on other platforms such as X, Instagram, and YouTube, with many expressing concern and fear, suggesting they believe the claim. Meanwhile, a few others questioned its authenticity and called for a fact-check.
Fact Check: The claim is indeed true
The claim is indeed true. The military did install high-tech missile defense systems at and around Mar-a-Lago.
Several local and national media outlets have reported on the claim, including The Palm Beach Post and West Palm Beach's CBS and NBC affiliate TV stations, which even captured footage of the systems on a barge outside Trump’s property and at the nearby President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
A Getty Images search also showed photos of the property with missile systems taken on October 24.
Reports suggest that the security systems were installed by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) at the request of the Secret Service.
NORAD, in an email, confirmed the deployment, stating, “At the request of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and under NORAD and USNORTHCOM authorities, NORAD and USNORTHCOM recently deployed ground-based air defense assets and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System capabilities in and around Mar-a-Lago, Florida."
"These assets add a complementary layer of technology to enhance protection. Due to operational security, we are unable to provide additional details.”
The Secret Service also confirmed the development, stating, “The U.S. Secret Service is operating in a heightened threat environment, and we continuously adapt our protective operations to incorporate cutting-edge tools, technology, and methods to safeguard our protectees."
" At the request of the U.S. Secret Service, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command are providing Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System capabilities in support of our protective operations.”
