Mystery drones make headlines

NEWS AND OPINION:

The topic of “aliens” — as in extraterrestrials — led the trends on X on Wednesday. Some 44,400 posts mentioning aliens appeared by late afternoon, along with 5,838 posts centered on unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs. One state in particular was part of this phenomenon: New Jersey, site of recent mystery “drone activity” in the last week. 

The state’s involvement with the unknown was the subject of 3,478 posts on X by noon.

“The growing reports of unexplained drone activity in the Philadelphia region and our neighboring state of New Jersey demand immediate and decisive federal action. As Chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), I am treating this matter with the urgency it requires and taking proactive steps to safeguard our public safety and national security,” Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania Republican, said in a written statement.

“I am actively coordinating with federal law enforcement agencies and have requested a classified briefing to receive a comprehensive understanding of these incidents. This is not a time for complacency — it is a time for action and accountability,” he said.

“The FBI continues to lead the investigation into the drone sightings across the state. Gov. Phil Murphy and other local law enforcement officials have said there appears to be no danger,” reported NJ.com, a news site, on Wednesday.

And naturally, there are headlines. Here are a few:

“U.S. military research center denies New Jersey drones are theirs” (Fox News); “New Jersey state senator calls for ’limited state of emergency’ over mysterious drone sightings” (ABC News); “Numerous drone sightings in New Jersey don’t pose safety concern, governor says” (The Associated Press); “Rep. Chris Smith: 50 drones came in from ocean, at least a dozen trailed Coast Guard ship” (Asbury Park Press); “Latest drone footage captures ’sophisticated’ UFOs interacting with each other over New Jersey” (the Daily Mail).

HURRY IT UP

Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization with 2.5 million activists nationwide, launched a vigorous digital ad campaign on Wednesday that encourages U.S. senators to confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet appointees.

Like, right away.

That message will circulate in Alaska, Maine, Louisiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Utah, South Dakota and the District.

“Americans gave President Trump a mandate on November 5 to implement and pass his top priorities as quickly as possible. The Senate must now do its part to have Cabinet appointees confirmed and ready to go to ensure this conservative mandate can be carried out effectively,” said Ryan Walker — executive vice president of the aforementioned organization — in a written statement.

“Heritage Action is launching this $150,000 digital ad campaign to encourage lawmakers to fulfill the promises they made to the American people. Heritage Action will remain flexible in the coming weeks and months to ensure the Senate delivers on the promises made to the American people,” he said.

The effort is the first salvo in a $1 million ad campaign, which includes a public petition featured on Heritage Action’s website that urges senators to confirm Mr. Trump’s Cabinet appointees. Find the organization at https://heritageaction.com.

FOR THE LEXICON

“The MAGA Scarf.”

Yes, it’s a scarf. It’s red with black and white accents and boldly emblazoned with the word ‘Trump” — along with the phrase “Make America Great Again.”

It’s featured in a current fundraiser organized by the Trump National Committee. But it’s also available for immediate purchase at the Trump Store.

And a brief heads up: The scarf is not part of the Trump Christmas Store, another site full of seasonal goodies. Find the scarf and other Trump-inspired wearables at https://www.donaldjtrump.com/. Click on the “Shop” icon in the right corner of the page and scroll down.

A HOOSIER’S FAREWELL

Sen. Mike Braun gave his farewell speech on the Senate floor Wednesday. His term ends Jan. 3 — and the Indiana Republican will be sworn in as the state’s 52nd governor 10 days later.

“When I was elected, I told my team that constituent service was going to be the center of what we do. I’m so proud of our state team for the countless hours they’ve put in to assist Hoosiers all over the state. They closed 13,775 constituent cases — assisting Hoosiers with problems that were seriously impacting their lives. There are many ways you can get entangled with the federal government,” Mr. Braun said in his final speech.

“My team returned 21.6 million dollars that were owed to Hoosiers back to them. That money had an immediate impact: one woman in Columbus was at risk of losing her home, and we were able to recover $10,000 for her that she was owed from the IRS. My team has responded to 2,381,813 messages from Hoosiers,” he continued.

“The regional field team held 1,500 hours of Mobile Office Hours events, where Hoosiers could get assistance right there in their hometowns. When constituents reached out with problems, we found solutions,” Mr. Braun said.

He also offered a warning.

“I’m optimistic today, but I want to be clear about something. This place is bankrupting our country. When I got here, our national debt was $18 trillion. That has now doubled in 6 years. We borrow a trillion dollars every 6 months and pay that in interest annually. This spending spree has a real effect on the American people: inflation, rising interest rates, and projected debt totaling $56T in ten years. Borrowing money from our kids and grandkids is a bad business plan,” Mr. Braun said.

POLL DU JOUR

• 50% of U.S. adults consider themselves “moderate” when it comes to their political beliefs.

• 15% consider themselves “somewhat conservative.”

• 13% consider themselves “very conservative.”

• 11% consider themselves “somewhat liberal.”

• 10% consider shelves “very liberal.”

• 2% skipped or refused to answer the question.

Source: An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll of 1,251 U.S. adults conducted by email, mail, telephone and field interviews Dec. 5-9.

• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook @HarperUniverse.