Earlier this week the United States and other western powers evacuated Yemen, citing concerns about security in the rapidly deteriorating country. On the way out of the country, U.S. Marines were instructed to destroy their weapons and U.S. vehicles were taken over by Houthi rebels.
Now, without a presence there, the State Department is arguing rebel Houthis can be trusted to keep their word and to respect the U.S. embassy until it can be reoccupied. Houthis have been seen on video calling for "death to America," just brought down the U.S. backed Yemeni government and have ties to terrorism.
Last night on The Kelly File, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki tried to explain why U.S. officials are taking the Houthis at their word.
"Do we want to return to Yemen? Absolutely. That's why we suspended our operations, we plan on returning when we can. The Houthies have said they're not threatening, they don't want to go after the United States, well the proof is in the pudding," Psaki said.
Anchor Megyn Kelly pointed out that the Houthis post signs that read "Death to America" at checkpoints and Psaki doubled down on her point about trusting the rebels.
"They have said they want the Americans, they want the westerners to have a presence in Yemen," Psaki said.