Trump Administration Announces New Rule to Counter Drone Threats

People who fly drones within the boundaries of certain sensitive sites could face fines and criminal charges under the proposal.

A sign marks the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center in Nashua, N.H., on Oct. 9, 2025. Brian Snyder /Reuters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a proposed rule that would allow certain critical infrastructure facilities in the United States to seek restrictions against third-party drones flying around their sites.

“Restrictions—which would be submitted and approved via a new FAA web portal—will be approved based on safety or security criteria,” the Department of Transportation (DOT), under which FAA operates, said in a May 6 statement. “The restricted area would have clearly defined horizontal and vertical boundaries, and violators could face civil or criminal penalties.”