Washington, DC – In the early stretch of Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. president, a dramatic shift in America’s global military posture has raised concern across the political and humanitarian spectrum. As part of a renewed push under the banner of “America First”, Trump’s administration has rapidly escalated air campaigns across volatile regions — from the Middle East and Central Asia to parts of Africa.
Between January and June, the United States carried out 529 airstrikes in 240 different areas, a rate that nearly matches President Biden’s total count across his full four-year tenure, according to recent data by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).
While Trump continues to champion his “peace through strength” doctrine, many observers suggest his approach relies heavily on overwhelming military force rather than diplomatic resolution — a method critics describe as “bomb first, ask questions later.”
Professor Clionadh Raleigh, ACLED’s founder, noted, “We’re seeing airstrikes used not as a last option, but often as the first move.” Despite repeated promises to end endless wars, Trump’s tactics point toward a pattern of shock-and-awe military actions aimed at deterring long-term conflict by eliminating perceived threats quickly and aggressively.
A New Doctrine or Familiar Chaos?
Vice President JD Vance recently introduced what he termed the “Trump Doctrine”: define a core U.S. interest, attempt diplomacy, and if it fails, unleash massive military power — then exit swiftly. But analysts remain skeptical.
Michael Wahid Hanna of Crisis Group called the doctrine more of a political retrofit than a clear foreign policy plan. “Trump’s diplomacy appears impulsive and unstructured, relying on force rather than long-term strategy,” he explained.
This has been evident in key conflict zones. While Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine, his policies have mirrored previous hardline stances, offering little innovation. In the Middle East, strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and a weeks-long bombing campaign in Yemen have failed to secure lasting peace or diplomatic traction.
Mounting Civilian Casualties
With the increase in airstrikes has come an uptick in civilian harm. Data from watchdog group Airwars shows 224 civilian deaths in Yemen alone in 2025 — nearly matching the toll from two decades of previous U.S. operations there.
Trump’s administration has also employed more devastating munitions, including powerful precision bombs previously used sparingly. Targets have extended beyond strategic infrastructure to include locations like Ras Isa Port and a detention center in Saada, both of which Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have flagged as potential war crimes.
“This is far beyond what one might expect from campaigns said to focus on economic or strategic installations,” said Emily Tripp, director of Airwars.
Social Media Warfare
Trump has actively promoted his military decisions online, sharing videos of airstrikes, such as a Somalia raid in early February, just 10 days after retaking office. In one post, he wrote, “We will find you, and we will kill you!” — a statement intended as a show of power but criticized by many as glorifying violence.
Diplomacy in the Shadows
While Trump’s supporters point to a strategy of rapid strikes to prevent long, drawn-out wars, progress on the diplomatic front has been minimal. Peace efforts in Gaza and Iran remain stalled. Meanwhile, the MAGA base has expressed growing discomfort over what some perceive as mission creep — echoing past criticisms of U.S. foreign entanglements.
Raleigh noted a global trend toward more state-sponsored violence, with the U.S. now appearing more as a player in that new paradigm than a mediator of peace. “There’s no cohesive strategy yet,” she added. “Just a lot of bombs.”
The Big Question: Does It Work?
Despite the heavy firepower, results remain mixed. Houthi militants continue to launch attacks from Yemen, and Iran has shown no willingness to concede on its nuclear goals. Critics argue that while airstrikes may delay threats, they rarely solve the deeper roots of conflict — and often fuel long-term instability instead.
“There are real limits to what air power can accomplish alone,” said Hanna. “And those limits are becoming increasingly apparent.”
"Edited and published by Veritas Global News to maintain accuracy and originality"
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