Fact Check: Trump claimed Houthis capitulated, leading to a cease in US strikes against them.

Fact Check: "Trump claimed Houthis capitulated, leading to a cease in US strikes against them."

What We Know

On May 6, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would halt its airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels. He stated that the Houthis had indicated they "don’t want to fight anymore" and had pledged to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea, a vital global trade route (AP News). Trump characterized the situation by saying the Houthis had "capitulated" and that the U.S. would honor their word to cease hostilities (Reuters).

The announcement came amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following Houthi missile strikes against Israel, which had prompted U.S. military action against the group (CNN). The Houthis had previously conducted numerous attacks on commercial vessels, leading to significant disruptions in shipping through the Red Sea (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that Trump stated the Houthis "capitulated" is supported by multiple reputable sources. Trump's announcement was made during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where he emphasized that the Houthis had agreed to stop their attacks, leading to the cessation of U.S. airstrikes (New York Times). However, the Houthis themselves later disputed Trump's characterization, with a senior official stating that they had not capitulated but rather reached an agreement with the U.S. (BBC).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is generally high. Major news organizations like the Associated Press, Reuters, and CNN have established reputations for fact-checking and journalistic integrity. However, the discrepancy between Trump's statements and the Houthis' response highlights the complexities of international negotiations and the potential for differing narratives.

While Trump's assertion of Houthi capitulation may reflect his administration's perspective, the Houthis' rejection of this characterization suggests a more nuanced reality. The situation is further complicated by ongoing hostilities in the region, particularly the Houthis' continued threats against Israel, which were not covered by the U.S.-Houthi agreement (Axios).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump stated the Houthis capitulated, leading to a cessation of U.S. strikes against them, is True. Trump's announcement clearly indicated that he believed the Houthis had agreed to stop fighting, which was the basis for halting U.S. military actions. However, the subsequent rejection of this characterization by Houthi officials introduces a layer of complexity, suggesting that while the U.S. may have perceived a capitulation, the Houthis did not view their actions in the same light.

Fact Check: Trump claimed Houthis capitulated, leading to a cease in US strikes against them.