Well, it looks like Pete Buttigieg has done it again—another cringe-worthy moment that perfectly encapsulates why his nickname “Pothole Pete” sticks like glue. This time, the U.S. Transportation Secretary managed to insult an entire state while addressing what should be a pretty serious matter: a mysterious drone “invasion” in New Jersey. Instead of offering clear solutions or demonstrating any real concern, Buttigieg decided to crack wise about how aliens probably wouldn’t pick the Garden State for their grand entrance. Bold move, Pete. Bold move.
Appearing on The Breakfast Club, Buttigieg dismissed the idea of extraterrestrials touching down in Jersey, calling it “very unlikely.” Sure, he tried to couch it with an obligatory “I love New Jersey,” but the damage was done. Not only did his comment rile up the hosts, who all live in the state, but it also lit up social media with reactions ranging from indignation to mockery. For someone entrusted with the safety of our skies, you’d think he’d take this topic a bit more seriously.
And let’s talk about those drones. Since November, New Jerseyans have been reporting sightings of SUV-sized drones zipping around their skies. Over 5,000 tips have poured in to the FBI from the tri-state area alone. That’s not a few kids flying toys; it’s a legitimate security concern. Yet the White House, along with Buttigieg, seems more interested in downplaying the issue than addressing it. President Biden brushed it off with a vague comment about authorized drones and “copycat” activity. Meanwhile, Governor Phil Murphy sounded the alarm, calling the situation a “wake-up call” to America’s vulnerability.
Buttigieg, however, seems unfazed. Instead of focusing on actionable steps to secure our airspace, he mused about where aliens might land—suggesting the Pacific Ocean, of all places. Charlamagne tha God’s retort, “Secretary Pete knows something,” was almost too on the nose. Is there a classified memo Pete’s sitting on, or is this just another case of federal officials winging it? Either way, his cavalier attitude is hardly reassuring.
“I mean no disrespect to New Jersey when I say I think it’s very unlikely that an alien invasion would begin in New Jersey,” Buttigieg said.
“I love New Jersey. I’m just saying I don’t think that’s the main point of entry that an extraterrestrial would… unless there’s something we don’t know about,” he continued.
The FAA has finally stepped in with a temporary ban on drones in certain parts of New Jersey, even warning of potential “deadly force” against threats. Yet the public remains understandably skeptical. Buttigieg is, after all, the guy who presided over last winter’s catastrophic airline meltdowns and ongoing supply chain fiascos. Expecting him to tackle mysterious drones feels like asking him to fix potholes—good luck with that.
Social media has been relentless, with one user pointing out the glaring irony: “Sec of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is responsible for the safety of American skies. Yet, we’ve got unidentified drones buzzing over New Jersey, and Pothole Pete is nowhere to be found.” Ouch. Another added, “So basically, Jersey isn’t on the radar for intelligent life.” While harsh, the sentiment captures a growing frustration with an administration that seems more interested in optics than outcomes.
The real issue here isn’t aliens (sorry, sci-fi fans) but national security. The fact that drones of this size can operate freely over U.S. soil, causing public alarm and leaving even state governors in the dark, is a glaring failure. Governor Murphy is right: this isn’t just New Jersey’s problem. It’s America’s. And with leaders like Buttigieg steering the ship, it’s no wonder people are worried.
NEW: Charlamagne The God asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg if the “manned SUV-sized drones flying over New Jersey” were part of an alien invasion
Buttigieg: “I mean, no disrespect to New Jersey when I say that, I think it’s very unlikely an alien invasion would begin… pic.twitter.com/1U50Y22SF4
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) December 16, 2024
So, while Pete Buttigieg jokes about extraterrestrial entry points, New Jerseyans—and Americans as a whole—are left asking the real questions. Who’s behind these drones? Are they foreign? Domestic? And, most importantly, why isn’t Washington taking this more seriously? One thing’s for sure: if aliens were watching, they’d probably pick a different leader to negotiate their landing.
