Donald Trump launches unprecedented airstrike campaign in first term months
- Under Trump's administration, over 500 airstrikes were executed in just five months targeting multiple regions, primarily Yemen.
- The administration faces criticism for contradicting Trump's previous non-interventionist promises while still maintaining high support among his base.
- The high volume of airstrikes may indicate a shift in strategy, suggesting a move toward preemptive engagement to avoid prolonged conflicts.
In early 2025, the Trump administration escalated military operations significantly, overseeing at least 529 airstrikes within five months, a figure approaching the total of airstrikes conducted during Joe Biden's entire four-year presidency. Most of these strikes targeted the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, aiming to curb their attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea. This intensified air campaign, which also included strikes in Somalia, Syria, and Iraq, marked a shift in Trump's approach to foreign conflict, raising questions regarding his prior assertions of seeking to end 'forever wars.' Internal criticism within the GOP emerged, arguing that this strategy contradicts his campaign promises of non-interventionism while simultaneously garnering support from his voter base who remain favorable to decisive military actions against perceived threats. Contemporary analysis suggested that the airstrikes are being used as a method to prevent deeper conflicts by engaging foes before wars fully materialize, even as they raise concerns about civilian casualties and the potential for increased global tensions.