US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at Nigeria as a “disgrace” for failing to halt what he called a “genocide” against Christians, vowing to slash aid and hinting at military action while his administration ramps up pressure on Abuja amid a recent high-level meeting with Nigerian officials.
In a conservative radio interview amplified by Fox News, Trump decried the killings of “thousands” of Christians by jihadist groups, insisting the violence constitutes systematic persecution despite Nigerian denials that it stems from banditry affecting all faiths.
“Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace,” Trump thundered. “They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it.”
He reiterated threats to end US subsidies, adding: “We give a lot of subsidies to Nigeria. We’re going to end up stopping.”
The outburst followed Wednesday’s Washington talks between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi and Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede.
Hegseth posted on X: “Yesterday, I met with Nigeria’s National Security Advisor and his team to discuss the horrific violence against Christians in their country. Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists.”
West Virginia Congressman Riley Moore, who attended, emphasised resolve: “As President Trump made abundantly clear, the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution. President Trump does not make idle threats.”
Nigeria, redesignated a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations, faces potential sanctions under the International Religious Freedom Act. Abuja maintains the attacks are criminal, not sectarian, with recent raids in Kebbi and Niger claiming over 300 abductions. The row risks jeopardising $1 billion-plus in annual US aid, straining ties in Africa’s largest economy.
