The Trump administration’s new policy officially goes into effect this week, as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added all new foreign-made drones—including those from China’s DJI and other major manufacturers—to its “Covered List,” citing national security risks associated with potential surveillance, data exfiltration, or other threats. That means no new foreign drone models will be authorized for sale or import into the U.S. unless a U.S. national security agency grants a special exemption, effectively ending the future pipeline for new DJI products in the American market. Existing drones and models previously approved by the FCC can still be used, but retailers and importers will no longer be able to bring in new models, forcing hobbyists and commercial operators to rely on current stock or domestic alternatives. DJI has expressed disappointment, calling the decision lacking in transparency, while U.S. regulators say the move aims to strengthen domestic drone production and reduce reliance on foreign tech.
