The Honorable Mike Johnson
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
March 28, 2025
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I am writing to provide an update on the ongoing situation in Yemen and its implications for the broader Middle East.
Houthi militants, operating from their strongholds in Yemen, have escalated their aggressions, resembling the tactics of modern-day pirates by attacking shipping routes and threatening U.S. forces in both airspace and waters in the region. This pattern of behavior is unacceptable, and I am determined to put an end to their threats against U.S. forces and commercial vessels in one of the world’s critical shipping lanes. We must take decisive action to ensure the safety of Americans abroad. In line with my commitment to protecting U.S. interests and maintaining navigational freedoms, I have directed the Department of Defense to implement several key measures regarding the Houthis.
First, I have ordered the Department of Defense to deploy additional combat-ready forces to the Middle East. This reinforcement aims to bolster our defensive capabilities and support necessary military operations. The newly deployed forces include air and missile defense systems to protect both Israel and U.S. installations, as well as fighter jets, support aircraft, and reconnaissance units to facilitate targeted strikes against Houthi positions. Details of this deployment can be found in the attached classified annex.
Second, under my directive, U.S. Central Command has initiated extensive military strikes in Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. The objective is to dismantle the operational capabilities the Houthis utilize to threaten U.S. forces and commercial shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. These coordinated strikes involve U.S. Navy ships and aircraft, alongside Air Force bombers, fighters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, targeting Houthi leadership, command centers, and munitions storage facilities. We will persist with these military actions until we sufficiently neutralize the Houthi threat to American forces and ensure the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
This report serves to keep Congress fully informed, as required by the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). The actions taken are consistent with my constitutional responsibilities as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive, aimed at safeguarding American lives and interests abroad while advancing U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. I appreciate the ongoing support from Congress regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump
The Honorable Charles Grassley
President pro tempore of the Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
March 28, 2025
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to inform you about the recent developments in Yemen and across the Middle East region.
Houthi militants, based in Yemen, have continued their aggressive actions akin to piracy, threatening shipping operations and engaging U.S. forces in the region. This hostile behavior cannot be tolerated any longer. We are committed to ensuring the safety of Americans and will take action to address these threats. In line with my pledge to defend U.S. forces and uphold navigational rights, I have directed the Department of Defense to undertake several strategic actions regarding the Houthis in Yemen.
First, I have ordered the Department of Defense to position additional combat-ready forces in the Middle East to enhance our defensive capabilities and facilitate necessary military operations. These forces will include air and missile defense systems designed to protect Israel and U.S. military installations, as well as fighter jets, support aircraft, and reconnaissance units for conducting strikes on Houthi targets. Specific details regarding this deployment are included in the attached classified annex.
Second, at my command, U.S. Central Command has begun large-scale military strikes in Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen to dismantle their operational capabilities used in attacks against U.S. forces and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. U.S. Navy ships and aircraft, along with U.S. Air Force bombers, fighters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, have been actively involved in these strikes. Targeted operations have focused on Houthi leadership, command and control facilities, and munitions depots. We will continue these decisive military operations until the Houthi threat to U.S. forces and navigational rights in the Red Sea is adequately mitigated.
This communication is part of my commitment to keep Congress fully informed, in accordance with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). The actions taken align with my responsibility to protect Americans and U.S. interests internationally and are in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, as authorized by my constitutional role as Commander in Chief. I am grateful for the support of Congress in this undertaking.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump
