Carson Neuhausen | Sports Editor
March 20, 2025
In mid-March 2025, newly elected President Trump authorized a series of airstrikes using F-18 fighter jets against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The operation is described as the most significant U.S. military action in the Middle East since he took office. The attack targeted over 30 sites which included military headquarters, weapon storage facilities, and radar systems that were used to target cargo ships and civilian vessels. The strikes were intended to send a message to Yemen and Iran; the days of political appeasement and sanctions are over. President Trump warned Iran to halt its support for the Houthis or else the US would continue strikes in not just Yemen, but Iran as well. The strategy is completely different from former President Biden’s strategy, which consisted of a series of sanctions and threats towards Yemen and other countries.
On March 13th, 2025 an airstrike was launched into the Anbar province of Iraq, killing ISIS’ second in command and leader of global operations, Abu Khadija. The attack has gone widely unreported and many people aren’t aware of the importance of this action. When informed about the situation, Junior Talon Sarasua said “I was surprised that I didn’t hear about the attack on social media.” This strike follows the announcement from President Trump, who talked about his issues with the CIA and President Biden’s handling of information. According to Trump’s administration, the CIA had known the location of Khadija for an extended period of time and was ordered to do nothing.
Domestically, the Trump administration has taken strong steps to strengthen border security. Within the first two months of 2025, the Department of Defense in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security launched a massive campaign targeting South American cartels and European criminal organizations. This initiative aims to improve border security while also tackling illegal immigration.
President Trump has maintained a firm stance in his interactions with international leaders. He communicated directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to negotiate ceasefires in conflict zones such as Ukraine. Despite initial success, specifically with Russia, reports suggest that hostilities have continued. This has led to questions being asked of the President and his supposed “Day- one fix.” Junior Dylan Keiffer said “I remember Trump saying that he’s going to have the war finished in a day” and that “I don’t think the war in Ukraine is going to end for at least another year.”
To summarize, President Trump’s military action in 2025 highlights his policy of assertiveness and strategic repositioning. From airstrikes in the Middle East to rigid border security measures, his administration is actively changing the United States’ posture to a more aggressive stance. Combined, these actions represent Trump’s willingness to face problems head-on while also reasserting the US’ position in the process.
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