President Trump signs executive orders to relax U.S. drone regulations and grant local law enforcement greater authority to neutralize unauthorized drones.

President Trump signs executive orders to relax U.S. drone regulations and grant local law enforcement greater authority to neutralize unauthorized drones.

President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders aimed at relaxing U.S. drone regulations and granting local law enforcement greater authority to neutralize unauthorized drones. The orders, signed on June 7, 2025, are part of a broader effort to enhance American aviation capabilities and address growing concerns about drone misuse.

The executive orders focus on three key areas: drone operations, drone manufacturing, and airspace control. They advocate for the deployment of drones beyond the visual line of sight, crucial for commercial deliveries, and aim to reduce America's dependence on Chinese drone manufacturers [1]. The orders are expected to benefit firms like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation by promoting electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

One of the executive orders directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite rules to allow companies to use drones beyond their operators' line of sight. This move is intended to facilitate drone deliveries and other commercial operations [2]. Additionally, the orders address the growing threat of criminal, terrorist, and foreign misuse of drones in U.S. airspace, with a federal task force being created to review drone threats and existing terrorism task forces looking at drones [3].

The orders also aim to lift the longstanding ban on supersonic flight over land, allowing breakthroughs in aerospace engineering and noise reduction to facilitate faster and sustainable air travel. This move is expected to benefit companies like Boom Supersonic, which has developed a supersonic jet capable of breaking the sound barrier [2].

In addition to these measures, the executive orders prioritize American-made drones in federal procurement programs and open up grants to help state and local first responders buy U.S. drones. The White House seeks to reduce the U.S. reliance on foreign-made drones and restrict foreign devices in sensitive areas [3].

The orders are particularly timely, given that the United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. The NFL has praised the move, as local and state officials will be better equipped to protect their airspace from unauthorized drone incursions [3].

References:
[1] https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3450503-trumps-executive-orders-propel-supersonic-and-drone-innovation
[2] https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3433791/trump-signs-drone-executive-orders-new-jersey-sightings/
[3] https://apnews.com/article/trump-drones-easing-restrictions-china-bf248d075a5a14c3edf2bb07611922d9