At least 31 members of the United States Congress have applauded President Donald Trump for reinstating Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) a status reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
The lawmakers described Trump’s move as a “bold and moral step” to confront what they termed a growing Christian genocide in Africa’s most populous nation.
The commendation was contained in a joint statement issued on Tuesday by Rep. Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the House Values Action Team, and made available to journalists on Thursday.
“President Trump’s commitment to ending the Christian genocide in Nigeria and his decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern gives hope to the people of Nigeria,” Aderholt stated.
“This decision rekindles faith among millions of persecuted Christians and reaffirms America’s moral duty to defend freedom of worship.”
He added that terrorist groups in Nigeria had killed thousands of Christians annually, insisting that the United States must lead the charge in confronting religiously motivated violence and protecting vulnerable faith communities.
US Lawmakers Hail Trump’s ‘Moral Leadership’
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer praised Trump’s stance, describing him as “a leader unafraid to defend people of faith.”
“God bless President Trump for standing up and protecting Christians around the globe. The United States finally has a leader unafraid to do what’s right,” Emmer said.
Republican Party Chair Lisa McClain described the situation in Nigeria as “a moral outrage and a crime against humanity,” while Representatives Josh Brecheen, Mary Miller, and Mark Alford called for stronger U.S. sanctions and increased pressure on those behind the religious attacks.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Rep. Chris Smith, said the new designation restored a status “wrongly lifted by the Biden administration.”
“This action is a powerful step in holding the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity in the unchecked murder, rape, and torture of Christians,” Smith declared.
Other signatories to the statement included Don Bacon, Andy Biggs, Gus Bilirakis, Tim Walberg, and Riley Moore, who all urged the White House to use “every diplomatic and strategic tool” to protect Christians in Nigeria and ensure justice for victims.
Trump Reaffirms ‘Existential Threat’ to Christianity in Nigeria
Last Friday, President Trump announced the CPC redesignation on his Truth Social platform, warning that “Christianity faces an existential threat” in Nigeria.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” Trump wrote.
He added that Washington would not “stand by while such atrocities are happening,” vowing that his administration would “stand ready, willing, and able to defend Christian populations around the world.”
Rep. Riley Moore, who first raised the issue in Congress, praised the decision, saying it reflected “true leadership and moral clarity.”
“We can no longer turn a blind eye to the bloodshed of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This horrible persecution will end thanks to President Trump,” Moore said.
Nigeria Rejects US Claims of Religious Persecution
The Federal Government of Nigeria has repeatedly rejected Washington’s claims, insisting that religion is not a factor in the country’s ongoing security crisis.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the U.S. position was based on “misrepresentation and misinformation” about Nigeria’s internal security dynamics.
“Our security issues are driven by banditry, insurgency, and socio-economic factors not religion,” Idris clarified.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious liberty, saying the country remains a constitutional democracy guided by guarantees of equality and freedom of worship.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained open engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders while tackling security challenges that affect citizens across all faiths and regions.”
He emphasized that portraying Nigeria as religiously intolerant “does not reflect our national reality,” stressing that tolerance and peaceful coexistence remain central to the Nigerian identity.
Global Reactions and Implications
The CPC redesignation has reignited global discussions about religious freedom, counterterrorism, and U.S.Nigeria relations. Analysts suggest the move could impact diplomatic ties, foreign aid, and security cooperation between Washington and Abuja.
Human rights organizations have welcomed renewed international focus on the issue but cautioned that constructive engagement not confrontation remains the most effective path toward lasting peace and protection of all religious groups in Nigeria.
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