Kean Advocates For Airports Impacted By President Trump’s Visits To Bedminster

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (District 7) is advocating for the reimbursement of Somerset Airport and Solberg-Hunterdon Airport, which have been affected by Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during President Donald Trump's visits to his home in Bedminster.

The impacts have also affected airports and aviation in Florida when Trump has visited his home in Palm Beach, Florida.

As a result, Kean, Jr. and Representative Lois Frankel of Florida (FL-22) sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau this week seeking help for the local airports.

"Protecting national security and supporting small businesses should not be mutually exclusive," said Kean, Jr. "I am proud to represent a district with small, family-run airports that play a vital role in our community — and one that the President calls home part-time. While Temporary Flight Restrictions are critical for the President’s safety, they can also impose significant financial hardships on local airports and aviation businesses. That’s why Rep. Frankel and I are urging the FAA to use money that Congress has already provided to reimburse businesses for lost revenue and disrupted operations."

According to a release from Kean's Office, Temporary Flight Restrictions have significantly impacted operations at Somerset Airport and Solberg-Hunterdon Airport in New Jersey, as well as Lantana Airport in Florida. These restrictions, particularly during peak flying seasons, have led to notable declines in airport activity and revenue losses.

There are two major impacts when a VIP TFR is issued. First, there is a no-fly zone issued for anything within a 10-mile radius of Trump's National Golf Course in Bedminster. (See Related: Trump To Visit Bedminster For 18 Days, Will 'Devastate' Local Airports)

This essentially shuts down airports such as Somerset Airport and Solberg-Hunterdon Airport in Whitehouse Station.

The second part of the TFR is the second ring, which impacts a much larger radius of airports. The second ring encompasses a 30-mile radius which includes 17 other airports such as Princeton Airport, Old Bridge Airport and Central Jersey Regional Airport in Hillsborough.

Flights within the 30-mile radius can still have aircrafts fly out of the airport to somewhere outside the ring or land from outside the ring to an airport inside.

However, all other operations are prohibited such as flight training, aerobatics, hot air ballooning, helicopters, skydiving, biplane rides and technically even flying a model airplane.

Since the first Trump Administration, Congress has appropriated $3.5 million annually to compensate businesses that are regularly affected by TFRs, which temporarily limit airspace access when the President is traveling within a designated radius. However, before affected businesses can apply for reimbursement, the FAA must open a Notice of Funding Opportunity, according to Kean's Office.

"Protecting the President is a responsibility we all share, regardless of political affiliation," said Frankel. "But it’s the federal government—not local businesses or airports—that should bear the cost of these necessary security measures."

See below for the full text of the letter from Representatives Kean and Frankel or click HERE:

Faa Nofo Tfr Letter 4.1.25 Signed by Alexis Tarrazi on Scribd

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