U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) has been hailed by several American lawmakers as a strong stand for persecuted Christians.
In a joint statement, 31 members of Congress led by Rep. Robert Aderholt applauded the move, calling it a “bold and compassionate step” against what they described as a “growing Christian genocide” in Nigeria. Aderholt said the designation “gives hope to the people of Nigeria” and urged Washington to “lead in confronting this violence.”
House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Chris Smith called the decision “a powerful step toward holding the Nigerian government accountable” for failing to stop the killings. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer added, “God bless President Trump for standing up and protecting Christians around the globe.”
Other lawmakers, including Lisa McClain, Josh Brecheen, Mary Miller, and Mark Alford, echoed similar calls for sanctions and stronger diplomatic action.
Trump, in a Truth Social post, warned that the U.S. could cut aid or even take military action if the killings persist. “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” he wrote, accusing “radical Islamists” of carrying out mass killings.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities continue,” Trump said, directing Congress to investigate and act swiftly.
The Nigerian government has rejected Trump’s claims, insisting that the violence is not religiously motivated and that all faiths are protected under the constitution.
