Chinese drone maker DJI, which manufactures as much as 70 percent of the world’s commercial drones, is pushing back against the Trump administration’s plan to impose massive tariffs on drone imports. The Trump move is reportedly aimed straight at DJI.

The core of DJI’s argument is that the FCC ban focuses on what regulators call “military-grade” drones. But rather than targeting specific companies, the ban is based on drone capabilities. These capabilities include drones outfitted with thermal cameras, LIDAR sensors, autonomous docking, swarming software, agricultural spraying systems, defense integration and models weighing more than 55 pounds.

DJI argues that the military-grade designation is arbitrary as many of these capabilities are available on popular consumer models used across many civilian applications. Thermal cameras are used by firefighters to find missing people. LIDAR is used for surveying and construction purposes. Docking stations are used to automate inspections of power lines and other infrastructure. Agricultural drones are used to spray pesticides and swarming software is used for light shows.

DJI says the ban would cost the company more than $1.5 billion in lost revenue. DJI’s latest Lito Series drones already are not officially available in the U.S. The ban is likely to affect a wide range of DJI models like the popular Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S and Avata camera drones.

“Dual use” technologies have always been subject to scrutiny. The ongoing example is Ukraine’s emerging drone industry that had its beginnings in the conversion of inexpensive, recreational drones for military use.

Also weakening DJI’s position is the decision by the Chinese government to make it illegal to own a drone inside the city of Beijing beginning November 15. The Chinese government says it will subsidize drone owners who turn in their models with a small payment. Clearly, the Chinese government is concerned with the militarization of commercial models. DJI’s marketing slogan “Don’t let the sky wait too long” was recast as “Don’t let the police wait too long” by memes.

DJI’s protestations appear likely to fall on deaf ears, however. President Trump appears very keen to jumpstart a domestic manufacturing base for commercial drones. Drones made in the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan also are subject to tariffs, albeit to a much lesser degree than DJI. Whatever the source, drones from anyone other than DJI are likely to be more expensive for users.

Critics say the DJI ban smacks more of protectionism than national security. President Trump’s two eldest sons, Eric and Donald Jr., are shareholders and advisory board members of Powerus, a fledgling drone maker based in Florida. Donald Jr. also sits on the advisory board of Unusual Machines, a large maker of drone components also based in Florida.

Powerus, in what is described as the first transaction of its kind, just signed a $22.3 million deal to supply its networked counter-drone technology to an unnamed private corporate entity in the oil business in the Middle East. Powerus CEO Brett Velicovich said the significance of the deal lies in the decision by a commercial operation to obtain military-grade counter-drone capabilities ahead of the government’s ability to protect the company’s infrastructure. Powerus also received a $90 million contract in August from the U.S. Air Force to supply a drone interceptor.

The Trump administration ban on foreign-made “advanced robotic devices” is not just limited to drones. Products with a much lower profile like robot vacuums, mops, pool cleaners and lawn mowers also are included. Many of the brands affected are made in China. The ban covers new robot vacuums and not existing ones. Many available for sale are already being heavily discounted as technical support like software updates will ultimately end.