Silicon Valley Billionaires Fund Police Drones, Push to Ban Chinese Giant DJI

Silicon Valley investors are reshaping the U.S. drone landscape, funding police fleets with American-made drones while lobbying to ban Chinese manufacturer DJI, which dominates 90% of the U.S. consumer and public-safety drone market, according to Bard College research. This dual strategy aims to boost domestic drone makers like Skydio and curb DJI’s influence amid national security concerns, reports The SF Standard.

Billionaires Back U.S. Drone Adoption

Investors like Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz are funneling millions into police departments to deploy U.S.-made drones. In San Francisco, crypto billionaire Chris Larsen donated $9.4 million to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to expand its drone program, purchasing 12 drones and docks from Skydio and Flock Safety.

“In a massive budget deficit in San Francisco, we are forced to both do more with less and prioritize private/public partnerships,” Larsen reportedly said.

Similarly, Horowitz donated $ 7.6 million to the Las Vegas Police Department in 2023, prioritizing Skydio and Flock Safety products.

These donations follow a pattern: private funds equip cash-strapped departments with cutting-edge tech, often from investor-backed firms.

In 2024, SFPD’s 63 DJI drones far outnumbered its seven rented Skydio units, but Larsen’s contribution shifts the balance toward U.S. brands. Drones have proven critical for police, aiding in 43 arrests in San Francisco by April 2025, including tracking suspects and managing crowds.

“I cannot overstate how valuable drones are for our department,” former SFPD Chief Bill Scott said.

Lobbying to Block DJI

Silicon Valley’s push includes heavy lobbying to ban DJI, citing security risks.

“Every single one of those drones is a potential surveillance platform by the Chinese Communist Party,” Andreessen claimed in 2024.

U.S. firms like Skydio ($680,000), Brinc Drones ($240,000), and Teal Drones ($80,000) spent heavily on lobbying in 2024, per Open Secrets. DJI countered with $1.4 million and over 100 Capitol Hill meetings to defend its privacy and security features.

A proposed executive order from President Trump was expected to fast-track a DJI ban but was softened after a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaving DJI with over six months to secure a security audit.

DJI welcomed the opportunity to “demonstrate our privacy controls and security features,” a spokesperson said.

Technical and Economic Stakes

DJI’s drones are favored for their affordability, ease of use, availability, and reliability, with models like the Mavic 3 offering 46-minute flight times and 9.3-mile (15 km) ranges.

U.S. alternatives like Skydio’s X2D provide autonomous flight and thermal imaging but often cost considerably more, limiting adoption without subsidies.

A DJI ban could raise costs for public-safety agencies, as American drones remain pricier, though donations bridge this gap temporarily.

Economically, a ban could bolster firms like Skydio, valued at $2.2 billion, and startups like Brinc Drones and Neros. However, disrupting DJI’s supply chain risks shortages, as it produces 90% of public-safety drones. Regulatory uncertainty also complicates operations for agencies reliant on DJI’s proven tech.

Privacy and Oversight Concerns

Critics argue these donations bypass public oversight, granting billionaires undue influence.

“Billionaires should not be allowed to buy access and influence with law enforcement,” Evan Feeney of Color of Change reportedly said.

Donated drones often lead to long-term contracts, as departments become reliant on specific brands, raising surveillance and accountability concerns.

What’s Next for Drones?

The fight over DJI reflects broader U.S.-China tech tensions. If a ban materializes, police and recreational pilots may face higher costs and supply issues, though Silicon Valley’s investments could foster a robust domestic industry. For now, DJI’s fate hinges on its security audit, while U.S. firms leverage donations to gain ground.