President Trump addressed growing concerns this week after reports surfaced that Iran could attempt to launch drone strikes against California from offshore vessels. The warning did not come from internet rumor mills or late night conspiracy threads. It came from the FBI, which reportedly alerted dozens of police departments across California about the possibility of Iranian retaliation using military drones.
According to the law enforcement bulletin, agencies were urged to remain vigilant for suspicious maritime activity that could signal a drone launch platform operating off the West Coast. The scenario involves Iranian forces or affiliates potentially launching drones from boats positioned offshore and targeting locations inside California.
President Trump was asked directly about the warning during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One. Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy raised the question about the law enforcement bulletin and the possibility of an Iranian revenge plot.
Trump responded plainly.
“It’s being investigated,” Trump said. “You have a lot of things happening, and all we can do is take them as they come.”
That response is probably not dramatic enough for cable news panels that survive on panic and speculation, but it reflects how real intelligence threats are typically handled. You investigate first, gather facts, then respond accordingly.
Trump also revealed that authorities are watching potential Iranian sleeper cells operating inside the United States. That comment raised eyebrows, although it should not surprise anyone paying attention to national security over the past decade.
“We know where most of them are,” Trump said. “We’ve got our eyes on all of them.”
Trump argued that some of those individuals entered the country during the immigration policies implemented under the Biden administration, a claim that ties directly into the broader national debate about border security and vetting.
While the FBI warning focuses on a possible drone attack scenario, Trump emphasized that the broader military situation with Iran is not exactly going well for Tehran.
“Iran is being absolutely decimated,” he said.
Trump added that American forces have significantly degraded Iranian naval and air capabilities during the conflict. He also noted that the United States is closely monitoring activity in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important shipping routes in the world.
“We’ve knocked out all of their boats,” he said. “I think we’re in very good shape.”
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that state authorities are aware of the warning and are coordinating with federal agencies and local law enforcement.
“Drone issues have been top of mind,” Newsom said during a press conference.
Newsom acknowledged the threat but also took a predictable political swipe at the White House, criticizing Trump over the broader Middle East conflict and rising global gas prices.
Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed federal authorities issued a warning of a potential drone strike in California from Iranian offshore vessels and said state officials are collaborating with local law enforcement to protect residents. pic.twitter.com/kl2kD4Wfbj
— SFGATE (@SFGate) March 11, 2026
He also stated that he has not yet spoken with President Trump directly about the warning.
Despite the political back and forth, both federal and state authorities appear to agree on the most important point. The threat is real enough to monitor closely, and law enforcement agencies are actively watching for any signs of suspicious activity along the California coast.
In other words, this is exactly the kind of situation national security agencies exist to handle. Intelligence is gathered, threats are tracked, and officials keep a close eye on anyone who might think launching drones at the United States is a good idea. History suggests that tends to end badly for the people who try it.
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