Freedom of the seas, a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy since independence, is under threat from Iran, the Houthis, and China. For 250 years, American interests and values supported maritime freedom, but recent administrations have weakened this stance. Barack Obama protested China's militarization of the South China Sea but took limited action.

Donald Trump initially backed Saudi and Emirati efforts against the Houthis in Yemen but later retreated under pressure. Joe Biden's anti-Saudi stance worsened Houthi threats to Red Sea commerce. In 2025, Trump ordered inconclusive strikes on the Houthis, who promised not to attack U.S. shipping.

Today, the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb are contested. Trump's inconsistent positions on Hormuz—negotiating with Iran and Oman, claiming U.S. territory, or charging tolls—undermine freedom of the seas. In the Bab al-Mandeb, Trump retreated under Houthi threats, meeting the group in Oman and refusing to aid Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis have since attacked Riyadh. Israel faces Houthi threats, but the U.S. stands aside due to the Houthis' alleged commitment not to attack American shipping. This posture weakens U.S. credibility and encourages enemies.

The Saudis reportedly asked China to restrain the Houthis. Xi Jinping's visit focused on Taiwan concessions, but China continues its South China Sea campaign. Chinese domination of Taiwan would be economically catastrophic and alter global power dynamics.