Trump rolls out sweeping drone tariffs, private-sector cyber ops memo, and Navy catapult reversal

In a series of national-security directives, President Trump imposed a full tariff on drones over 25 kilograms and those equipped with thermal imaging, a 25% duty on smaller drones, and reduced duties for allies, citing the need to preserve American drone dominance. He also signed a memorandum that permits vetted private firms to execute cyber-attacks and surveillance against foreign criminal networks, while explicitly excluding state-directed actors and setting limits to prevent lethal force.

The Navy received orders to abandon its newer electromagnetic catapult system in favor of steam catapults for launching fighter jets, a move that could cost billions and allow overseas shipyard contracts. Concurrently, NATO jets intercepted an unidentified drone over Latvia, and Zambia’s electoral commission briefly halted vote counting amid allegations of ballot theft and intimidation. The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of hostile drone strikes on two ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. officials to reaffirm a continuous naval presence in the waterway. Analysts cautioned that the cyber policy might exacerbate international cyber conflicts, while the drone tariffs are widely seen as a response to China’s market lead.