There are some lines no leader should ever cross.

Praising the enemy who kills your own troops is one of them.

But on May 8, 2025, President Donald J. Trump crossed it with ease—and with pride.

Standing before reporters, Trump praised the Houthis, a group officially designated by the United States as a terrorist organization. A group responsible for the deaths of U.S. service members just weeks earlier. A group still actively targeting American-aligned shipping, infrastructure, and regional allies. His exact words? That the Houthis showed “bravery.” That their recent aggression was “amazing.” That he believed they would honor a ceasefire—because he, apparently, sees something to admire in them.

Bravery? Amazing?

Tell that to the families burying the flag-draped caskets of U.S. troops ambushed and killed by these same “brave” militants. Tell that to the sailors whose ships were struck by drone fire while ensuring the free movement of goods through one of the most critical commercial waterways on Earth. Tell that to every man and woman who swore an oath to defend this country, only to see their Commander-in-Chief salivate at the discipline of the people trying to kill them.

This wasn’t a gaffe. It was a reveal. A mask slipping. A cold confirmation of what some of us have known for years: Trump does not love this country. He loves domination. And when he sees it—even in those who seek to do America harm—he cannot help but admire it.

This is a man who called our war dead “losers.” Who mocked John McCain for being captured. Who bragged about knowing more than the generals. Who deployed troops for photo ops, not for missions. Who let veterans rot in bureaucratic nightmares while posing with folded flags.

Trump doesn’t support the military.

He uses the military the way an authoritarian uses any tool of state: as theater, as muscle, as camouflage.

Because while real patriotism is quiet service, Trumpism is loud cosplay.

Just imagine—truly imagine—if Obama had uttered these words. If Biden had said “you could say there’s a lot of bravery there” about a group that had recently killed American personnel. There would be howls of treason from every conservative outlet. A Republican-led impeachment would already be underway. The Fox News chyron would read: TERRORIST-IN-CHIEF OBAMA PRAISES HOUTHIS WHILE OUR TROOPS BLEED.

But Trump? The rules don’t apply. He could praise the Taliban. (He did). He could praise Putin. (He does). He could praise Kim Jong-un. (He did). And now, he praises the Houthis. And the MAGA base? They cheer. They’ve long since traded the Stars and Stripes for a red hat and the camaraderie of the cult.

Make no mistake: this is not a matter of Left or Right. This is about the sanctity of command. About the sacred trust a Commander-in-Chief owes to those who serve under him. When that trust is broken—when admiration for the enemy replaces mourning for the dead—you are no longer a president. You are a despot in waiting.

When leaders elevate strength over justice, praise enemies while punishing critics, and confuse bluster for leadership, blood follows. The ancient emperors did it. Stalin did it. Idi Amin did it. And now, Trump stands in their company—not because of what he’s building, but because of what he’s destroying: decency, clarity, responsibility, allegiance.

There is no patriotism in praising the men who kill your soldiers.

There is only betrayal.

Every voice, every veteran, every journalist, every civilian who believes in duty over ego must rise and call this what it is:

Cowardice and treachery.