Ulrike FrankeFeb 4

This is incredibly weird (and doesn't exactly look like strategic policy-making:
In late December, the Trump administration decided to ban all imports of new models of foreign (read Chinese-made) drones. But then... (thread)

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-commerce-department-drops-plan-impose-restrictions-chinese-made-drones-2026-01-09/

Show threadUlrike Franke
But then, in early Jan 2026, some exemptions were announced.
So far so normal, but only one day later...
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-exempts-some-foreign-made-drones-trump-import-ban-new-models-2026-01-08/
Feb 4 at 9:36amWeb
Show threadUlrike FrankeFeb 4

...the whole ban was dropped.
Just... what?
(PS: Europe should consider a similar ban. And then not immediately drop it.)

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-commerce-department-drops-plan-impose-restrictions-chinese-made-drones-2026-01-09/

Show threadswggrkllr3rdFeb 4
@rikefranke Europe are going to India, and UK & Canada to China. https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/udland/analyse-trump-er-handel-et-vaaben-eu-er-handelsaftaler-en-fredspibe
ANALYSE: For Trump er handel et våben. For EU er handelsaftaler en fredspibe

EU er forudsigelig, udramatisk og økonomisk stærk. Og det gør nu EU til en mere attraktiv handelspartner end et dramatisk og uforudsigeligt USA.

DR
Show threaddasparadoxonFeb 4
@rikefranke (when trumpclan does something like that its usualy either insider stock trading or someone bought a large amount of trumpcoin)
Show threadswggrkllr3rdFeb 4
@rikefranke drumpf is destroying the credibility of USA on behalf of pooty.
Show threadCommentateurAvisé 🇫🇷🇪🇺 4💉Feb 4

@rikefranke
According to Aviation Week's podcast, even Parrot drones are banned.
It also seemed that DJI was one step ahead with regard to 2026 regulation

https://aviationweek.com/podcasts/check-6/podcast-shot-down-what-fccs-uas-ban-means

[Edit: you pointed out the foreign drone part in an earlier post 😅]

Podcast: Shot Down—What The FCC's UAS Ban Means | Aviation Week Network

The Trump administration has started the clock on a near-total ban of foreign UAS and parts. Editors and Drone Girl’s Sally French explain what is happening and what it means.