Thu Jan 23 02:23:12 UTC 2025: **Trump Re-Designates Yemen’s Houthis as Terrorist Group, Orders Aid Cuts**
WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump has issued an executive order re-designating Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity. This move reverses a decision made by the Biden administration in 2021. The White House cited the Houthis’ repeated attacks on US Navy warships, commercial vessels, and civilian infrastructure as justification for the redesignation.
The order directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to submit a report within 30 days recommending the designation, a formality given Rubio’s prior support for this action. Following the recommendation, Rubio will then have 15 days to implement the designation.
Crucially, the order also mandates that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) sever ties with any entities that have provided funding to the Houthis or obstructed efforts to counter the group. The White House characterized the Biden administration’s previous policy as “weak,” arguing it emboldened the Houthis.
This action comes hours after the Houthis released the crew of a cargo vessel seized earlier. While the timing is coincidental, the White House emphasized its commitment to working with regional partners to eliminate Houthi capabilities and end their attacks. The re-designation is expected to significantly impact US aid distribution in Yemen and further complicate the already dire humanitarian situation.
First Piper 