The mystery surrounding drones spotted over New Jersey has been clarified by President Donald Trump, who revealed they were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Mysterious drones that hovered over New Jersey last month were authorized by the FAA for research and recreation purposes, the White House says.

After New Jersey residents noticed drones flying over neighborhoods late last year, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt provided some insight.

A local congressman isn't satisfied with the White House's answers about the mysterious drones seen across New Jersey skies late last year.

"This was not the enemy," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement on New Jersey's mysterious drone sightings.

The mysterious drones that lit up skies across the US late last year were authorised by federal regulators and "not the enemy," the White House has announced. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had approved the drones for research and many also belonged to people in the area,