President Trump taunted Iran-backed Houthis after a U.S. airstrike obliterated a gathering of militants preparing an attack on American ships in the Red Sea. “Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis!” Trump posted on Truth Social Friday, alongside footage of the precision strike.
According to the White House, the Houthis — officially designated a terrorist organization by the Trump administration in January — have targeted U.S. and allied vessels over 300 times since 2023. Those attacks escalated after the recent breakdown in a Gaza ceasefire, prompting Trump to authorize Operation Rough Rider, a new military campaign aimed at neutralizing Houthi threats.
Friday’s strike was part of that operation and reportedly targeted a leadership gathering of the Iran-backed rebels in Yemen. The strike was launched from the USS Harry S. Truman, currently deployed in the Red Sea. Trump’s message was blunt and mocking: “They will never sink our ships again!”
In response, Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) posted: “Thank you, President Trump! There is a new sheriff in town! Indeed in the world! Keep it up Mr. President!”
Conservatives celebrated the no-nonsense action, while some Democrats and their media allies attempted to cast doubt, with unproven claims that civilians may have been present at the gathering. Trump supporters brushed off the criticism. Political commentator Shawn Farash quipped, “A district court judge will likely order Trump to un-bomb the Houthis tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is en route from the Indo-Pacific to reinforce American naval dominance in the region — a clear signal that Trump isn’t bluffing. The administration has also extended an offer to Iran to resume direct talks over its nuclear program, but Tehran has so far refused.
Operation Rough Rider is just the latest show of force in Trump’s America First foreign policy reboot, with growing support among voters tired of weak deterrence and endless deference to hostile regimes.
Bottom line: The Houthis got a loud and clear message — strike America, and you will pay a heavy price.
