In a speech posted by the White House and seen by SaharaReporters, Trump again reiterated that he has designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over what he described as large-scale killings of Christians, and warned that Washington could cut aid or even take military action if the violence continues.
United States President, Donald Trump, has again said the United States will not stand by while “Christians are being killed” in Nigeria, despite widespread reactions from the Nigerian government debunking the claim.
In a speech posted by the White House and seen by Gistcore, Trump again reiterated that he has designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over what he described as large-scale killings of Christians, and warned that Washington could cut aid or even take military action if the violence continues.
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“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria, thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed, radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern, that is a legal definition,” Trump said.
He drew attention to global figures and urged rapid action from U.S. lawmakers. “When the Christians or any such group is slaughtered like it’s happening in Nigeria 3100 Vs 4476 Worldwide, what horrible numbers.”
Trump called on members of Congress to move quickly, singling out appropriations leaders.
“Something has to be done, I am asking Congressman Riley Moore together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee to immediately look into this matter to report back to me, I mean like immediately.”
He added that the United States could intervene to protect religious minorities. “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries. It’s not only in Nigeria, it’s all over. We are able and willing to defend Christians, the killing of Christians, it is not going to happen.”
The Nigerian government has rejected the characterisation and pushed back against the claim that the violence amounts to targeted genocide, saying the country’s constitution protects all faiths and that security challenges affect communities across religious lines.
Last Friday, President Trump announced that, in response to claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, he had redesignated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
He made the announcement on his Truth Social media platform, writing: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it.”
He went on to say the US may conduct a military operation in the country if ‘killings of Christians’ continued.
Nigeria, however, denied any genocide against Christians.
President Bola Tinubu reiterated that “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.”
He noted that since assuming office in 2023, his administration has maintained active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders while working to address security challenges affecting citizens regardless of religious affiliation.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions,” he stated.
Tinubu dismissed what he described as a mischaracterisation of Nigeria’s religious landscape by external observers, saying such claims fail to reflect the country’s diversity and the government’s ongoing efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” the President declared.
On Tuesday, China declared its unwavering support for the Nigerian government, saying it stands by Nigeria as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”
This position was announced at a press conference by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning.
The Chinese minister was quoted as saying: “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”
Ning was responding to a question on U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
The European Union (EU) also restated its solidarity with Nigeria, declaring full respect for the country’s sovereignty and reaffirming its commitment to strengthen cooperation in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, made the remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, while reacting to Trump’s comments threatening possible military action against Nigeria.
Mignot stressed that the EU’s position was guided by “long-standing partnership and shared values” with Nigeria, not external influence.
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