Trump Administration’s Actions Made Houthi Terrorists Pay
March 25, 2025
Action Summary
- Contrast in Approaches: President Trump’s administration re-designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and aggressively targeted them, while the Biden Administration reversed this designation and allowed increased Houthi attacks.
- Security and Maritime Impacts: Since 2023, Houthi attacks on U.S. Navy warships (174 incidents) and commercial shipping vessels (145 incidents) forced 75% of U.S.-flagged shipping to reroute via the southern coast of Africa instead of the Suez Canal.
- Tactical Successes: Trump’s administration carried out large-scale strikes that eliminated senior Houthi terrorists, demonstrating a strong deterrence against threats to U.S. interests and global maritime security.
- Political Implications: The robust actions taken by the Trump administration are portrayed as a decisive move to keep Americans safe and ensure strategic control of critical shipping lanes, contrasting sharply with Biden’s perceived inaction.
Risks & Considerations
- The re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and subsequent military actions could lead to increased geopolitical tensions, which may impact international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University holds, particularly those involving Middle Eastern countries.
- Heightened security measures and potential travel restrictions could affect international students and faculty from regions involved in or affected by these actions, potentially impacting Vanderbilt’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
- The focus on national security and military actions may shift federal funding priorities, potentially affecting research grants and funding opportunities for programs related to international relations, peace studies, and conflict resolution.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of these actions on its global reputation and how it engages with international partners, particularly in regions affected by U.S. foreign policy decisions.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s International Relations Program may need to adjust its curriculum to address the changing geopolitical landscape and the implications of U.S. foreign policy decisions.
- The Office of International Student and Scholar Services might need to provide additional support and resources for students and faculty affected by travel restrictions or geopolitical tensions.
- Vanderbilt’s Peabody College could see increased demand for expertise in conflict resolution and peace studies, presenting opportunities for research and collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations.
- The Vanderbilt Law School may need to explore the legal implications of these actions, particularly in terms of international law and human rights.
Financial Impact
- Changes in federal funding priorities towards national security and military actions could impact the availability of research grants for programs focused on international relations and peace studies.
- Vanderbilt University may need to seek alternative funding sources for programs and initiatives that could be affected by shifts in federal funding priorities.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research related to national security, counterterrorism, and international law, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies.
- The potential impact on international student enrollment due to geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions could affect tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Relevance Score: 3 (The actions present moderate risks involving compliance or ethics, particularly in terms of international relations and funding priorities.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s International Relations Department should analyze the geopolitical implications of the re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Understanding the impact on global shipping routes and international trade can provide insights into potential research opportunities and collaborations with global security experts.
- The Vanderbilt Law School could explore the legal ramifications of the Trump Administration’s actions against the Houthis, particularly in terms of international law and maritime security. This could lead to the development of specialized courses or seminars on international conflict resolution and counterterrorism law.
- Vanderbilt’s Business School should assess the economic impact of disrupted shipping routes on global trade and supply chains. This analysis could inform curriculum development in international business and logistics, preparing students for careers in a rapidly changing global economy.
Opportunities
- The re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence policy decisions related to international security and counterterrorism efforts.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on maritime security by developing partnerships with international organizations and think tanks. This could include joint research initiatives, conferences, and workshops, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation as a leader in global security studies.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with the geopolitical and economic implications of the executive actions.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Immediate re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- The White House: As the epicenter of executive action, it is directly responsible for issuing and overseeing policy decisions regarding the designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization during the Trump Administration.
- U.S. Navy: Mentioned as being directly impacted by repeated terrorist attacks, its operations and security concerns are central to the narrative of defending American maritime interests.
- Trump Administration’s National Security Team: Tasked with implementing and coordinating the counterterrorism measures highlighted in the article, this team played a key role in the administration’s active stance against the Houthis.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of Federal Entities are directly impacted by the discussed counterterrorism actions and related operational challenges.)
Responsible Officials
- President Donald J. Trump – Directed the immediate re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and authorized large-scale military strikes.
- National Security Team – Tasked with coordinating and implementing the strategic actions against Houthi threats as outlined by the President.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directs actions from the White House and involves top-tier national security decision-making).
