Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Nigeria, calling the country “a disgrace” while accusing the government of failing to protect Christian communities from extremist attacks. Trump made the remarks on Friday, November 21, during an appearance on a conservative U.S. radio programme.
Trump Says Nigeria Is Failing to Stop Attacks on Christians
During the interview, Trump repeated claims that Islamist militants in Nigeria are targeting Christians, and threatened possible U.S. military action if the Nigerian government does not “do more” to curb violent attacks.
“Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace,” Trump said. “They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide… We give a lot of subsidies to Nigeria. We’re going to end up stopping.”
His comment adds fuel to an ongoing global debate about religious persecution in Nigeria, especially in regions affected by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed groups.
Claims of Christian Genocide in Nigeria Gain Traction in U.S. Politics
Trump’s remarks align with a narrative popular among right-wing groups in the United States, who argue that Nigerian Christians are facing a near-genocidal level of violence. This narrative has been widely shared by conservative media figures and religious lobbyists in Washington.
Experts Say Nigeria’s Violence Is More Complex
Security analysts and conflict researchers continue to argue that Nigeria’s insecurity is multifaceted, involving overlapping:
Ethno-religious tensions
Farmer–herder conflicts
Banditry and mass kidnappings
Insurgency in the North-East
Political and economic grievances
Both Christians and Muslims have suffered mass casualties, depending on the region and the armed groups involved.
What Trump’s Statement Means for U.S.–Nigeria Relations
Trump’s threat to withdraw U.S. subsidies or support to Nigeria could re-ignite diplomatic tensions and impact cooperation on:
Counterterrorism
Human rights monitoring
Military assistance
Economic development programmes
His remarks are likely to spark renewed conversations in Nigeria about foreign intervention, religious freedom, and the country’s security strategy.
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