Washington, 24 December 2025 , trade war Giving priority to national and technical security, the Trump administration has tightened restrictions on foreign drones. The Federal Communications Commission has banned the distribution of all new foreign drone models in the US with immediate effect. This decision is likely to have the biggest impact on Chinese company DJI.
The government has clarified that this ban will apply only to the sale and distribution of new foreign models. American citizens who already have old foreign drones will be able to continue using them. The FCC claims in its fact sheet that criminals, foreign enemies, and terrorists can use drones to pose serious threats to America’s security.
The FCC has updated its ‘covered list’. This is a list of products that are considered an ‘unacceptable risk’ to the country’s security. Now all UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) and its important components manufactured abroad have been included in this list.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carey supported this policy, saying, “I welcome this national security decision. Under President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will now work closely with American drone manufacturers to establish ‘American drone dominance’ in the field.”
This new rule is a big shock for Chinese drone manufacturer DJI, which is currently the largest player in drone sales in the US and worldwide. However, DJI has opposed this decision saying that their products are safe and the company is demanding data transparency in this matter.
Donald Trump has always taken a tough stance against Chinese companies. This ban is part of an executive order passed in June, which aims to accelerate drone production in the US and keep the supply chain free from foreign control.
