Drones Detected Over U.S. Military Base Housing Top Officials, Including Defense Secretary and Secretary of State

Unidentified drones were detected flying over a U.S. military installation in Washington, D.C., where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reside, according to a report by The Washington Post.

A senior administration official said the military has intensified surveillance efforts as national alert levels rise amid growing tensions in the Middle East. Over a 10-day period, multiple drones were observed during a single night over Fort McNair, though authorities have not determined their origin.

The installation, which hosts the National Defense University and senior Pentagon officials, is located near key government sites, including Capitol Hill and the White House. Unlike other bases in the region, Fort McNair has a limited security buffer, raising additional concerns.

Officials convened a meeting at the White House to assess the situation and discuss possible relocation plans for Rubio and Hegseth. However, both officials remain at the base.

Security measures have been heightened across U.S. military and diplomatic locations globally. The State Department has directed all diplomatic missions to conduct immediate security reviews, citing the risk of spillover from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Several domestic bases have also increased their threat levels. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and MacDill Air Force Base raised their force protection status to “Charlie,” indicating a credible potential threat.

At MacDill, which hosts United States Central Command, operations were disrupted twice this week due to security incidents. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating a suspicious package that led to the closure of the base’s visitors center. A separate incident prompted a temporary shelter-in-place order.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to comment on the drone activity, citing security concerns.

Military officials say adjustments to security posture are routine and based on evolving threat assessments aimed at safeguarding personnel and operations.