Two members of the United States Congress have strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s recent comments threatening to cut off aid and launch military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, describing his statements as “irresponsible and reckless.”
In a joint statement issued on Monday, Congressman Gregory Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, said the remarks distort the complex realities of Nigeria’s security challenges and risk damaging U.S.–Nigeria relations.
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“The Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ ignores the complex reality of violence there. Clashes between farmers, many, but not all, of whom are Christian and herders are driven by resource scarcity and land competition, not religion alone”, the lawmakers stated.
They emphasised that extremist and criminal violence in Nigeria has affected both Christians and Muslims, particularly in the country’s northern region, which continues to face attacks by armed groups known as bandits.
“All Nigerians deserve protection, and we know President Tinubu recognises the importance of interfaith harmony and is working to address this challenge,” the statement added.
The U.S. lawmakers criticised Trump’s vow to “defend Christians” through possible military intervention, warning that such rhetoric could inflame tensions and destabilise diplomatic efforts.
“It is incredibly irresponsible of President Trump to threaten military action. Providing security support is one thing; threatening military intervention is another matter entirely. Such rhetoric risks embroiling the United States in another needless war,” Meeks and Jacobs said.
They further warned that any attempt to cut off U.S. aid to Nigeria would have grave humanitarian consequences, undermining ongoing development and stabilisation programs in the country.
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“Trump’s aid cuts have blocked much-needed emergency nutrition and livelihoods training—the very types of programs essential to stopping the spread of insurgency,” the statement noted.
