US under Trump: Trump orders return to steam catapults on aircraft carriers

The United States has imposed tariffs of up to 100 percent on drones and their components, marking a significant escalation in its trade conflict with China. The move comes under President Donald Trump’s administration, which aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports, particularly those sourced from China, which dominates the drone manufacturing sector. According to White House statements, the new tariffs are intended to boost domestic production of drones and their parts while reducing dependence on overseas supply chains. These measures are scheduled to take effect largely on September 3. The tariffs apply to drones with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kilograms and models equipped with thermal imaging cameras. For lighter drones weighing up to 25 kilograms, a 25 percent tariff applies. Certain countries, including members of the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, face lower rates, 15 percent, for their drones and components. Imports from the United Kingdom are subject to a 10 percent duty. The justification for these tariffs centers around national security concerns, with the administration arguing that the U.S. has become overly dependent on foreign-made drones and their parts. Trump has long advocated for strengthening the domestic drone industry, viewing it as critical to national defense and economic independence. The decision follows years of targeted actions against Chinese drone technology. Since late 2025, foreign manufacturers have been barred from obtaining approvals for new drone models, although existing ones can still be sold. This latest step adds to a broader pattern of trade restrictions, including new tariffs on Chinese goods, additional companies placed on import restriction lists, and limitations on certain Chinese technology products entering the U.S. Beijing responded with countermeasures, further intensifying the trade dispute. The timing of this announcement precedes a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in September, suggesting that the escalating tensions could influence diplomatic discussions. In addition to the drone tariffs, Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to replace the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) on its aircraft carriers with traditional steam catapults. This directive affects the fourth ship of the Gerald R. Ford-class carrier fleet, the USS Doris Miller. The shift away from EMALS, which had been criticized by Trump as costly and inefficient, is expected to incur hundreds of millions of dollars in costs for taxpayers. The manufacturer of the EMALS system, General Atomics, warned that reversing the decision poses significant risks to cost, schedule, and integration, given that nearly half of the production process is already complete. Separately, reports indicate that the USS Abraham Lincoln, a carrier currently deployed in the Middle East, may soon be replaced due to concerns raised over operational issues aboard the vessel. According to media accounts citing insiders, the Lincoln would be succeeded by the USS George Washington, which had arrived in Vietnam earlier this month before departing on August 5. Details regarding the duration of the transition remain unclear, though such changes typically take several weeks. The Pentagon and the U.S. Central Command declined to comment on the situation, citing operational security reasons. Meanwhile, legal challenges to Trump's policies continue. A federal judge in Boston dismissed the government’s lawsuit against Harvard University, which alleged that the institution failed to adequately address antisemitism on campus. Judge Richard Stearns ruled that the government did not provide sufficient evidence to prove Harvard violated civil rights protections against discrimination. The case highlights ongoing legal battles involving the administration’s approach to higher education and free speech issues. The imposition of high tariffs on drones represents another front in the broader trade war between the U.S. and China, with both nations continuing to implement retaliatory measures. As the September meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping approaches, the trajectory of these disputes remains uncertain, but the recent developments underscore deepening economic and strategic rivalries.