In his second term as U.S. President, Donald Trump has quickly turned to military airstrikes to deal with foreign threats. In his first 100 days, his government has carried out airstrikes in Somalia. It has also launched a longer air campaign against the Houthis in Yemen. These fighters control most of northern Yemen and are closely linked to Iran.
Trump has also warned that he may order strikes against Iran if talks about a new nuclear deal fail. This tough military approach could lead to bigger problems. Experts warn he may fall into what they call the “airpower trap.”
What Is the Airpower Trap?
The “airpower trap” means using airstrikes as a main way to deal with complex foreign conflicts. In many cases, this leads to larger wars that the U.S. never planned for. Past presidents have made the same mistake. Lyndon Johnson got stuck in a long war in Vietnam. Bill Clinton used airstrikes in the Balkans, and Barack Obama relied on drones in Syria. All three hoped for quick solutions. Instead, they ended up in costly and long conflicts.
Could the Same Mistake Happen in Yemen?
Yemen has been at war for nearly a decade. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, fight against a Saudi-led coalition. This war has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Trump’s recent airstrikes aimed to weaken the Houthis and send a message to Iran. But history shows that airstrikes alone rarely bring peace.
If Trump continues this air-only approach, the U.S. could get pulled deeper into Yemen’s conflict. Bombing from the air may hurt Houthi forces, but it won’t stop them completely. Instead, it may lead to more violence and more suffering for civilians.
Airpower Works Best in Limited Ways
Studies show airstrikes are most useful when used with clear, limited goals. For example, killing the leader of a terror group or helping friendly ground troops. Airstrikes work best as support—not as the only method.
But American leaders often believe airpower can achieve big changes alone. This is not true in most cases. Bombs can destroy buildings, but they can’t fix broken governments or win the hearts of local people. That’s why experts say using airpower without a long-term plan often fails.
Risk of Escalation with Iran
Trump’s warnings against Iran also raise concerns. If the U.S. starts bombing Iranian targets, it could start a wider war in the Middle East. Iran has allies across the region, including the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and militias in Iraq and Syria.
A direct conflict with Iran could lead to attacks on U.S. bases and ships. It could also cause major oil disruptions, pushing global prices higher. The situation could quickly become much worse than expected.
Calls for a Smarter Approach
Experts say the U.S. must think carefully before using more airstrikes. A better option might be diplomacy or targeted aid to help local governments. Working with partners on the ground could also be more effective.
In Yemen, peace talks between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed government have stalled many times. But international pressure could help restart them. The U.S. could play a helpful role by pushing for talks instead of war.
Lessons from the Past
The Vietnam War started with small airstrikes and ended with tens of thousands of U.S. troops fighting on the ground. In Syria, years of drone strikes did not stop the civil war. These examples show how air-only strategies can fail—and even backfire.
The U.S. should not repeat these mistakes. Using airstrikes without a clear plan or political solution often leads to disaster. Trump’s current path in Yemen looks a lot like those past errors.
A Call for Restraint and Diplomacy
To avoid another long and painful war, Trump’s team should stop relying only on airpower. It’s time for a more balanced plan. That means fewer bombs and more talks. Helping Yemen find peace won’t be easy, but bombing alone will not solve the problem.
The U.S. has the tools and the power to help bring peace—but only if it avoids the airpower trap.