Obama AG Involved In Chinese Drone Company’s Lawsuit Against Pentagon
DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense over its designation as a “military company.” The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., and targets Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Deputy Defense Secretary Laura Taylor-Kale. DJI argues that its drones are solely for commercial and consumer use, and the Pentagon’s classification unfairly links the company to the Chinese military.
Loretta Lynch, the former U.S. Attorney General, has taken a role in DJI’s legal team, a decision that has sparked backlash from Republican lawmakers. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) criticized Lynch, accusing her of representing a company that poses a threat to U.S. security. Stefanik argued that U.S. officials should be focused on banning companies like DJI, not helping them challenge government decisions.
According to DJI, the Department of Defense has failed to provide any justification for its decision, despite repeated attempts by the company to initiate discussions over the past 16 months. As a result, DJI has filed a lawsuit to challenge the military designation, which it claims is damaging its reputation and business.
This legal battle unfolds as Congress debates further actions against DJI. Last month, the House passed a bill that would prohibit future imports of DJI drones due to concerns about Chinese technology and national security. The bill is now awaiting action in the Senate.