Fact Check: Trump claimed Houthis capitulated, leading to a ceasefire on ship attacks.

Fact Check: Trump claimed Houthis capitulated, leading to a ceasefire on ship attacks

What We Know

On May 6, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced that the United States would cease its military operations against the Houthis in Yemen, stating that the group had "capitulated." This statement was made during a press conference at the White House, where Trump emphasized that the Houthis no longer wished to engage in conflict and that the U.S. would honor this development by stopping its bombings. He claimed that the Houthis had agreed not to attack ships in the Red Sea, a move that was confirmed by Omani officials who mediated the ceasefire agreement (BBC, Reuters).

The Omani Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, stated that the ceasefire would ensure that neither side would target the other, which included American vessels, thereby securing freedom of navigation in the region (BBC). The Houthis had previously escalated their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which they claimed was in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict (BBC).

Analysis

Trump's assertion that the Houthis "capitulated" is a significant claim that reflects the political dynamics surrounding the ceasefire. While the U.S. government and Omani officials confirmed the ceasefire, the Houthis themselves have not explicitly acknowledged this characterization. A senior Houthi official later stated that the U.S. had "backed down" rather than the Houthis capitulating, which suggests a different interpretation of the events (BBC).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is generally high. Major news organizations like BBC and Reuters have established reputations for journalistic integrity and fact-checking. However, the political context surrounding Trump's statements may introduce bias, as his administration often framed military actions in terms of victories or capitulations to bolster domestic support.

The claim of a ceasefire is corroborated by multiple sources, including a detailed timeline of the events surrounding the ceasefire agreement (Wikipedia). The Houthis' previous actions of attacking shipping vessels in the Red Sea demonstrate the seriousness of the situation, making the announcement of a ceasefire a notable development in the ongoing conflict.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump stated the Houthis capitulated, leading to a ceasefire on ship attacks, is True. The evidence supports that a ceasefire was indeed reached, with Trump framing the Houthis' agreement as a capitulation. However, the interpretation of this event is contested by Houthi representatives, who assert that the U.S. had retreated from its aggressive stance. Despite this contention, the overall context and confirmation from mediating parties substantiate Trump's claim.