U.S. Launches Strikes on Houthi Rebels, Signals Robust Defense Policy Under Trump Leadership

Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell (left), Joint Staff Director of Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich (right)

Washington D.C., March 20, 2025 – Joint Staff Director of Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich and Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell made their debut at the Pentagon podium as the U.S. Department of Defense launched a series of precision military strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebel targets in Yemen over the weekend. This signifies an aggressive shift toward President Donald Trump’s "America First" agenda. The first press briefing of President Donald Trump’s second term took place on March 20. Joint Staff Director of Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich and Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell detailed operations aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and reestablishing U.S. deterrence in response to Houthi attacks on U.S. and commercial vessels. They shed light on comprehensive policy changes under President Donald Trump and newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, leaving a striking first impression in their respective roles.

The briefing began with Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell welcoming the press to a newly transparent Pentagon, fulfilling a commitment to regular briefings aligned with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s vision for the most open Department of Defense in history. He noted that the weekend operations, which started on March 15, were a fitting launch point, stating, "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) initiated precision strikes against Houthi rebel targets across Yemen." He highlighted that since 2003, Houthi rebels have attacked U.S. warships 170 times and commercial vessels 145 times. Under President Donald Trump’s directive, he affirmed, "If you shoot at American troops, there will be consequences." Known by the affectionate nickname "Grinch," Joint Staff Director of Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich provided a detailed account of the initial strikes on Saturday, March 15, which hit over 30 targets, including terrorist training sites, drone infrastructure, weapons manufacturing and storage facilities, and a command center with Houthi UAV experts. The strikes continued on Sunday and Monday, targeting additional headquarters and detection capabilities, with operations ongoing into the week.

President Donald Trump has rapidly advanced policy priorities since his January 20 inauguration. Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized four core objectives: protecting the U.S. homeland, deterring China, maintaining global strike capability, and requesting greater contributions from allies. Within two months, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has refocused the Department of Defense on warfighting, lethality, and meritocracy, terminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs with the declaration, "DEI is dead at the DOD," and prioritizing border security as a national defense issue. Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, "We’ve restored the warrior ethos," noting, "Illegal border crossings have dropped 93%, but 100% operational control is the goal." To achieve this, the Joint Task Force Southern Border began its mission over the weekend, deploying 10,000 troops and a Striker brigade combat team. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gravely was deployed to the "Gulf of America" to strengthen maritime defense. Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell remarked that this term marked a historic first in Pentagon briefings.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order within his first two days in office to redesignate Houthi rebels as a foreign terrorist organization, overturning a decision by the Joe Biden administration. Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell criticized past policies for "emboldening America’s enemies" and releasing billions in frozen funds to Iran, contrasting this with the "peace through strength" strategy of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell clarified the Department’s position: "The Yemen operation is not indefinite; it’s not about regime change. It ends the moment Houthi rebels pledge to stop attacking our ships." Meanwhile, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes on March 15 against al-Shabaab in Somalia at the request of the Somali federal government, 150 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu. Initial assessments report enemy casualties with no known civilian harm.

Reporters’ questions followed, focusing primarily on operational and strategic details. Joint Staff Director of Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich stated, "The spy ship Bashad, which supported Houthi rebels, is currently inactive, but other vessels are under surveillance." On Houthi retaliation, he remarked, "Drone and missile attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman missed by over 100 miles," adding, "Houthi military casualties are in the dozens, with no credible reports of civilian casualties. A full battle damage assessment (BDA) is in progress." Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell cited President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post, paraphrasing, "If Houthi rebels shoot at U.S. forces, it’s considered a shot from Iran," signaling a warning to Tehran. He responded, "All options are on the table. We will relentlessly degrade Houthi capabilities."

According to Joint Staff Director of Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, domestically, the Department of Defense is supporting the deportation of transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua, with Guantanamo Bay prepared to accommodate illegal immigrants. Regarding the Afghanistan withdrawal, Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell, speaking as a veteran, expressed personal anguish and pledged accountability for leadership failures, though details remain under investigation. For Ukraine, he confirmed that support and intelligence sharing, which had briefly halted, have resumed. According to Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell, President Donald Trump prioritizes peace negotiations. On anti-DEI policies, he argued that diversity is not a strength.

Joint Staff Director of Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, an Air Force officer with extensive experience countering Houthi threats, is regarded as a meticulous strategist. His nickname, "Grinch," derives from his stern demeanor, although his dry humor at the podium softens this image. Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell, a former Army Ranger who led a platoon in Afghanistan with an 85% casualty rate, is known for his particular care for frontline troops. His authenticity resonates with veterans and Pentagon insiders. Both are considered ideal fits for the vision of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The operational expertise of Joint Staff Director of Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich and the field experience of Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell are expected to generate significant synergy.