On Monday, the Trump administration’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a ban on the distribution of all new foreign-made drone models in the U.S., citing “national security concerns.” However, Americans who already own older foreign drone models can continue to use them.
In a fact sheet released on the same day, the FCC stated that “criminals, hostile foreign actors, and terrorists” might exploit drones, posing new and serious threats to the nation. Consequently, the agency updated its Covered List — a list of products identified as presenting “an unacceptable risk to the national security” — to include all “UAS and UAS critical components produced abroad.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr expressed his support for the policy, saying, “I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC’s Covered List. Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.”
This new rule will undoubtedly affect various companies, particularly Chinese drone maker DJI, which is seen as the leading brand in global drone sales. DJI is known to be a favored choice among American consumers.
In response to the FCC’s decision, DJI voiced its disappointment. The company stated, “DJI is disappointed by the Federal Communications Commission’s action today to add foreign‑made drones to the Covered List. While DJI was not singled out, no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination.” DJI emphasized its commitment to the U.S. market and added, “As the industry leader, DJI has advocated for an open, competitive market that benefits all U.S. consumers and commercial users, and will continue to do so. DJI products are among the safest and most secure on the market, supported by years of reviews conducted by U.S. government agencies and independent third parties.”
Throughout his presidency, Trump has consistently taken a tough stance against Chinese companies. His administration laid the groundwork for the new drone ban with an executive order passed in June aimed at boosting domestic drone production and securing “the United States drone supply chain against foreign control or exploitation.”
