ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13981Executive OrderTrump 45 · R Quiet signal

Executive Order 13981

Protecting the United States From Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems

This executive order restricts federal procurement and use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) manufactured by or containing components from foreign adversaries, particularly China. It mandates security reviews of the federal drone fleet, requires agencies to assess their authority to stop buying covered drones, and directs the FAA to propose regulations restricting drone use near critical infrastructure.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 6821

Impact dates

  1. FAA proposes regulations for UAS restrictions near critical infrastructure

  2. DNI submits security risk assessment to President

  3. Agencies submit UAS inventory reports to DNI and OSTP

Key directives

  • Agency heads review authorities to cease procurement of covered UAS
  • Agency heads submit authority reports to OMB
  • Within 60 days: agencies report UAS inventory to DNI and OSTP
  • Within 180 days: DNI submits security risk assessment to President
  • Within 270 days: FAA proposes regulations under 2016 Act section 2209
  • Agencies prioritize covered UAS replacement in budget proposals
  • OMB identifies funding sources for replacement in future budget requests

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Policy declaration against procuring risky foreign drones
  • Agency heads must review procurement authorities

Near term (90d)

  • Agency reports due on drone fleet inventory (60 days)
  • OMB receives reports on agency procurement authorities

Long term

  • DNI security risk assessment due (180 days)
  • FAA proposed regulations due (270 days)
  • Budget planning for drone replacement

Risks & tensions

  • No hard procurement ban enacted—only review of authorities, creating implementation uncertainty
  • Broad 'covered UAS' definition could sweep in many commercial drones, especially Chinese-made
  • Budget provisions are aspirational; 'subject to availability of appropriations' limits force
  • Adversary country list includes discretionary determination by Commerce Secretary, adding flexibility but also unpredictability
  • Vague 'expeditious removal' language in DNI report leaves enforcement timeline open
Executive Order 13981: Protecting the United States From Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems · Executive Orders