Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Re-designates the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

January 22, 2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Re-Designation of Houthis: President Trump reverses the Biden administration’s removal of the Houthis from the Foreign Terrorist Organization list and re-designates Ansar Allah (the Houthis) as an FTO.
Historical Context: The Houthis were initially designated by President Trump in January 2021, but the Biden administration reversed this action within one month of taking office.
Security Concerns: The order cites multiple hostile actions by the Houthis, including numerous attacks on U.S. Navy warships, assaults on civilian infrastructure in partner nations, and over 100 attacks on commercial vessels transiting Bab al-Mandeb.
Directive to State Department: The Secretary of State, in consultation with relevant agencies, is directed to recommend the re-designation within 30 days.
U.S. Policy Shift: The administration underscores a commitment to collaborate with regional partners to eliminate the operational capabilities of the Houthis by cutting off their resources, ultimately aiming to protect U.S. personnel, allies, and maritime commerce in the Red Sea.
USAID and Partnership Review: The order mandates a joint review by the Administrator of USAID and the Secretary of State of United Nations partners, NGOs, and contractors in Yemen, targeting those that engage financially with or obstruct international efforts countering Houthi terrorism.
Post-Review Actions: Following the review, the President will instruct USAID to sever ties with entities that have paid the Houthis or have undermined efforts to counteract their terrorism and abuses.

Risks & Considerations

The re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) could lead to increased geopolitical tensions, which may impact international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University is involved in, particularly those related to Middle Eastern studies or international relations.
There is a potential risk for disruptions in research funding or partnerships with organizations that may be affected by the Executive Order, especially if they are involved in humanitarian efforts in Yemen or the surrounding regions.
The Executive Order may lead to stricter compliance requirements for any university programs or initiatives that involve international partners, particularly those in regions affected by the Houthis’ activities.
Vanderbilt University may need to reassess its risk management strategies and ensure that any international engagements comply with the new U.S. policies regarding the Houthis and related entities.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Relations Program may need to adjust its curriculum to reflect the changing geopolitical landscape and the implications of the U.S. policy towards the Houthis.
The Office of Global Safety and Security might need to update its travel advisories and risk assessments for students and faculty traveling to or working in regions affected by the Executive Order.
Research Centers focusing on Middle Eastern studies or international law may find new opportunities to study the impacts of such designations on global politics and humanitarian efforts.

Financial Impact

There could be a potential impact on funding for research projects related to Middle Eastern studies or international humanitarian efforts, particularly if they involve organizations affected by the Executive Order.
Vanderbilt University may need to explore alternative funding sources or partnerships to mitigate any financial risks associated with the re-designation of the Houthis as an FTO.
Opportunities may arise for securing grants focused on counter-terrorism, international security, or policy analysis, which could benefit relevant departments and research initiatives at Vanderbilt.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Global Safety and Security should assess the potential impact of the re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on international travel and research collaborations in the Middle East. This assessment will help ensure the safety of faculty, staff, and students involved in international programs.
The Department of Political Science should consider conducting research on the geopolitical implications of the re-designation of the Houthis. This research can provide valuable insights into regional stability and U.S. foreign policy, enhancing Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in international relations.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor any changes in U.S. foreign aid policies and funding related to the re-designation. Understanding these changes will be crucial for identifying potential funding opportunities or risks for international development projects.

Opportunities

The re-designation presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies to expand its research and analysis on counterterrorism strategies and their effectiveness. By leveraging its expertise, the center can contribute to policy discussions and provide recommendations to policymakers.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on counterterrorism by developing new academic programs and partnerships with government agencies and international organizations. This could include joint research initiatives, student internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation in the field of security studies.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order requires some adjustments to processes or procedures related to international safety and research collaborations.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.4

Timeline for Implementation

Within 30 days to recommend the re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of State (Secretary of State): Instructed to recommend the re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and to work with regional partners on countering their activities.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID): Directed to jointly review United Nations partners, nongovernmental organizations, and contractors operating in Yemen, and potentially sever ties with entities financially linked to the Houthis.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only a small number of Federal Agencies are impacted by this Executive Order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of State – Tasked with recommending the re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and jointly reviewing international partners and entities in Yemen.
Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Required to conduct a joint review with the Secretary of State of United Nations partners, nongovernmental organizations, and contractors operating in Yemen, and subsequently execute directives concerning USAID’s relationships.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact Cabinet-level officials with significant authority in foreign policy and international development operations.)