During a private conversation on encrypted messaging app Signal (which is not authorized for confidential government communications), White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller tells administration officials that Donald Trump needs to drop bombs on the Houthis for economic leverage over Egypt and Europe.
As I heard it, the president was clear: green light, but we soon make clear to Egypt and Europe what we expect in return. We also need to figure out how to enforce such a requirement. EG, if Europe doesn’t remunerate, then what? If the US successfully restores freedom of navigation at great cost there needs to be some further economic gain extracted in return.
In November 2023, as a response to U.S. and U.K. air strikes against them in support of Israel, the Houthis began attacking all U.S. and U.K. based ships moving through the Red Sea. This forced both governments and major shipping companies to use longer routes for trade and military purposes. Clearing the Houthis from the Red Sea will benefit most of Europe and parts of Africa.
Based on Miller’s private message, Trump may intend to take full control over the Red Sea, allowing him to leverage safe passage for political influence over the surrounding countries. This is similar to how Putin leverages pipelines and access to Russian gas and oil for influence in other Eastern European countries.
