Former President Donald Trump is doubling down on both military and economic fronts this week, touting what he calls a “very successful” campaign against the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen while simultaneously escalating trade tensions with China. Trump’s recent comments, along with those of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggest a renewed commitment to the “America First” doctrine — through force abroad and pressure at the negotiating table.
Strikes on the Houthis: “They Will Never Sink Our Ships Again”
Speaking confidently from his social media platform, Trump shared footage of a U.S. military strike on Houthi targets in Yemen, boldly claiming:
“They will never sink our ships again.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this assertive tone, promising relentless pressure on the Houthis until they cease their attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea.
“We are not going to relent,” Hegseth said. “It’s only going to get more unrelenting until the Houthis declare they will stop shooting at our ships.”
He outlined a campaign that includes targeting underground facilities, weapons manufacturing bunkers, air defense systems, and Houthi troops in the open. Hegseth also warned Iran against further support for the Houthis, saying the U.S. has been “very clear” in its message to Tehran.
The strikes come in response to repeated Houthi attacks on commercial vessels — many carrying goods destined for the U.S. — as the group attempts to exert control over vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Roughly 10–20% of global trade passes through this region, and Trump argues these attacks are not just a regional issue but a direct threat to American economic interests.
Military Morale and Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon
Supporters of the Trump administration have praised Hegseth’s appointment as a step toward restoring morale and reforming what they view as a bloated, sluggish Pentagon. Trump allies point to years of recruitment shortfalls and internal dysfunction within the military bureaucracy.
“Pete Hegseth is the perfect guy to turn this around,” one commentator said. “He’s off to a great start, and he gets it.”
Tariffs on China: “It Is Time to Duke This Out”
In addition to military action, Trump is now threatening an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods, unless Beijing reverses what he describes as a 34% increase in “trading abuses.” The proposed tariffs are set to take effect on April 9, and Trump has warned that if China doesn’t back down, all trade talks will be terminated.
“China is America’s number one threat — economically, diplomatically, militarily,” Trump said in a statement.
He also claimed that 50 other nations have reached out to begin trade negotiations with the U.S. under his leadership, underscoring his belief that American leverage is stronger than ever.
Josh Hammer, host of The Josh Hammer Show, weighed in:
“Trump has always understood China as a threat — even when the rest of his class of billionaires didn’t. He saw the failures of globalization coming decades ago.”
Hammer emphasized the strategic importance of Taiwan, home to TSMC — the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturer — and warned about the consequences of China’s growing aggression.
MAGA, Tariffs, and Foreign Policy: A Unified Vision?
While critics sometimes claim that Trump’s use of military force abroad contradicts his non-interventionist messaging, supporters argue otherwise. Drawing parallels to the 2020 drone strike on Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, Trump’s team insists that his foreign policy isn’t about avoiding conflict entirely — it’s about deterring threats through decisive, targeted action.
“He’s not trying to start wars,” said one Trump ally. “But if you mess with the U.S., he will hit back twice as hard.”
Final Thoughts
From military strikes in Yemen to looming trade battles with China, Trump is signaling a no-compromise approach to both foreign policy and economic dominance. Whether it’s the Houthi rebels disrupting global shipping or the Chinese Communist Party’s control over key supply chains, Trump’s latest actions make it clear: he believes American strength must be projected — both through firepower and financial pressure.
As his campaign gains momentum, these moves will likely define not just his messaging but also his vision for a potential second term in the White House.
