Trump’s Re-designation of Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organization

Trump's Re-designation of Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organization

(DailyChive.com) – President Donald J. Trump has opted to re-designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, sparking debate over implications for U.S. interests and Middle East stability.

At a Glance

  • Trump re-designates the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
  • The Biden administration previously reversed this FTO status.
  • The re-designation aims to cut off Houthi funding and protect U.S. interests.
  • Concerns about humanitarian aid disruption to Yemen persist.

Trump’s Strategic Move

President Trump signed an executive order re-designating the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This action reverses a decision by the Biden administration, which had removed this label due to humanitarian concerns. The new designation aims to restrict the Houthis’ access to international financing and arms, thereby diminishing their operational capacity in the Middle East.

The Houthis were first labeled as a terrorist organization by Trump in January 2021. The Biden administration reversed this designation shortly after taking office to avoid disrupting humanitarian aid to Yemen, yet this move allegedly led to increased Houthi attacks on U.S. Navy warships, partner nations, and commercial vessels in Bab al-Mandeb.

Implications for the Middle East and U.S. Interests

This re-designation by the former president is poised to have strategic implications for U.S. interests and regional stability. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is mandated to report on the impact of the designation and take necessary action within 45 days. The Treasury will recommend further actions against the Houthi apparatus.

USAID’s new directive involves ending relationships with entities financially supporting the Houthis. However, concerns remain about the FTO designation’s impact on humanitarian aid efforts. Critics argue this may deter aid groups due to fears their support could be labeled as ‘material aid to terrorism.’

Houthi Reactions and Regional Responses


The Houthis have shown indications of reducing their attacks, targeting specifically Israeli vessels, possibly as a strategic repositioning following the re-designation.
Yemeni officials commend Trump for curbing Houthi aggression, claiming his policies effectively countered their advances. Some U.S. lawmakers advocate that the FTO label would cut off Houthi funding sources, while a bipartisan group of legislators supports recent measures to redesignate the group.

“A foreign terrorist organization designation ran the risk of having a deterrent effect on some of those aid groups continuing to provide aid — worrying that they might be charged as providing material support to a terrorist organization,” – then-State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

The U.S. policy under Trump aims to collaborate with regional allies to dismantle Houthi capabilities, thereby securing maritime navigation in the Red Sea. However, the humanitarian repercussions in Yemen remain a central concern as the aid landscape adjusts to these new policies and mandates.

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