# Trump calls robot imports a national security threat

> President Trump declares foreign-made factory robots a security risk and orders new trade negotiations, threatening future tariffs on imports that US manufacturers depend on.
- Title: Trump calls robot imports a national security threat
- Summary: President Trump declares foreign-made factory robots a security risk and orders new trade negotiations, threatening future tariffs on imports that US…
- Keywords: donald trump, robot imports, national security, tariffs, manufacturing, trade negotiations, industrial robots, general motors, ford, tesla, boeing, lockheed martin
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/10/trump-declares-robot-imports-a-national-security-threat
- Published: 2026-10-29T19:07:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: donald trump, robot imports, national security, tariffs, manufacturing, trade negotiations, industrial robots, general motors, ford, tesla, boeing, lockheed martin
## Trump declares robots a security threat
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on October twenty-eighth declaring imports of foreign-made factory robots a national security threat. He ordered new US negotiations with trading partners and held out the possibility of imposing tariffs.
## Major US companies rely on foreign robots
The proclamation could complicate manufacturing operations at General Motors, Ford, Tesla, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. These companies depend on foreign-made industrial robots for factory and aerospace production.
## Trump cites military and infrastructure risks
Trump's proclamation states industrial robots are crucial for producing US military weapon systems and represent a driving force behind critical infrastructure.A Commerce Department investigation found imports pose risks to the US industrial base and competitiveness.
## Cybersecurity vulnerabilities cited
The Commerce Department investigation, led by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, supposedly found unique security and safety risks. These may introduce significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities that can result in severe consequences to the United States.
## One hundred eighty days to reach agreement
Trump's directive orders the United States and trading partners to adjust robot imports within one hundred eighty days.
## US lacks domestic robot manufacturing capacity
Trump's proclamation acknowledges US robotics companies do not produce enough industrial robots to meet national security needs. The United States relies on foreign imports for most types of robotics and industrial machinery and their components.
## Key takeaway

Trump declared robot imports a national security threat on October twenty-eighth, ordering trade negotiations within one hundred eighty days and threatening tariffs if no agreement is reached.