Trump Imposes Drone Tariffs and Mandates Naval Policy Shifts

Donald Trump announced a series of national security directives focused on drone technology, cyberwarfare, and naval policy. To secure American drone dominance, the administration imposed a 100 percent tariff on drones weighing over 25 kilograms and those equipped with thermal imaging. Small drones face a 25 percent tariff, while drone parts from allies—including the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the European Union—will see lower tariffs between 10 and 15 percent. These measures are being implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

In a separate directive, Trump issued a national security memorandum authorizing the government to partner with vetted private companies to conduct surveillance and cyberattacks against foreign transnational criminal networks.

Naval policy changes include a mandate for the United States Navy to return to steam catapults for aircraft carriers, replacing electromagnetic systems. Trump also ordered the construction of a fifth naval shipyard for submarines and aircraft carriers and granted the Navy permission to outsource shipbuilding to overseas yards.