Washington, D.C. – March 2026 U.S. officials have detected multiple unidentified drones flying over Fort Lesley J. McNair — the historic military installation in Southwest Washington, D.C., that serves as the official residence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — over the past two weeks, according to three sources who spoke to The Washington Post.
The sightings, which included several drones on a single night within the last 10 days, have prompted heightened monitoring, tighter security protocols at the base, and a White House-level meeting to discuss response options. Authorities have not yet determined the origin of the drones, but the incidents are being treated with extreme seriousness given the ongoing war with Iran and the high-profile targets residing there.
A senior administration official confirmed that both Rubio and Hegseth remain at Fort McNair despite the intrusions, though relocation has been discussed as a precautionary measure. The base, located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, is home to the National Defense University and senior military housing.
The drone activity occurs against the backdrop of elevated alert levels across the U.S. capital region due to Iranian threats of asymmetric retaliation, including proxy attacks and potential drone or missile strikes on American interests.
