President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order to re-designate Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This move reverses the previous decision by the Biden administration, which had removed the Houthis from the FTO list shortly after taking office.
The Executive Order initiates a process for re-designating the Iranian-backed Houthis as a terrorist organization. President Trump initially designated them as such in January 2021. However, this designation was reversed by President Biden's administration within its first month. The current administration attributes several aggressive actions to this reversal, including attacks on U.S. Navy warships and civilian infrastructure in partner nations.
According to the Executive Order, Secretary of State will work with others to recommend re-designation within 30 days. The United States' policy under President Trump aims to collaborate with regional partners to diminish the Houthis' capabilities and resources, aiming to halt their attacks on U.S. personnel and allies.
Additionally, following this re-designation, USAID Administrator and Secretary of State are tasked with reviewing entities operating in Yemen. Post-review, USAID is expected to sever ties with those who have financially supported or turned a blind eye toward Houthi activities.