Trump Administration Declares Brass Instruments a National Security Threat
By Afton Markay(Photo credit: Pixabay)
The Trump administration has declared tubas, trombones, trumpets, and French horns a national security threat.
In the Bureau of Industry and Security’s notice from Aug. 6, the Trump administration proposed the inclusion of brass-wind musical instruments and their parts and accessories within the scope of Section 232 duties. The administration argued that relying on imported metals could reduce demand for American-made materials. And further, that less domestic production could lead to fewer critical supplies in the event of a national emergency.
Any imported brass instruments or parts could now face a 25% tariff. This is part of the Trump administration’s broader tariff strategy, which suggests this move will encourage people to buy American-made goods and attract investment from foreign companies.
Several organizations including the National Association of Music (NAMM) have made statements on the negative impact that tariffs have already had on the industry. In NAMM’s official statement, it cited a study published by the Peterson Institute of International Economics that found in 2025 alone, tariffs resulted in a 27% decline in wind instrument imports. It warns that the addition of brass-wind instruments in Section 232 will cause further damage to by increasing the costs of musical instruments that serve the American musicians and students.
John Mlynczak, CEO of NAMM stated, “When the Administration speaks of protecting American manufacturing, we ask that they consider how the entire pipeline empowers American consumers and future musicians. The American professional instrument market is only as strong as the student market that feeds it. 49% of American students, around 25 million children, participate in music education in American schools. No other country in the world comes close to this level of music program participation. And every professional musician in America began as a student on an affordable, entry-level instrument, which then feeds the pipeline for American-made professional instruments.”
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