United States President Donald Trump has announced that Nigeria will be placed on a religious freedom watchlist, citing unverified claims that Christians in the country are being “slaughtered” by Muslims.
In a post on Friday, Trump said Nigeria would be added to the U.S. Department of State’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” alleging that “Christianity is facing an existential threat” and blaming “radical Islamists” for the violence.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied such claims, insisting that the country’s security challenges are driven by banditry, terrorism, and resource disputes rather than religion.
Analysts note that Trump’s decision bypasses the usual procedure involving recommendations from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Critics warn the move could lead to diplomatic friction and possible sanctions.
Trump’s remarks echo rhetoric from right-wing lawmakers such as Representatives Riley Moore and Tom Cole, who have long accused Nigeria of persecuting Christians. Experts, however, say such narratives oversimplify Nigeria’s complex conflicts, which often stem from economic and ethnic tensions between farmers and herders.
The announcement comes amid Trump’s renewed efforts to appeal to conservative Christian voters in the U.S., even as his administration faces criticism for sharply reducing refugee admissions to a record low of 7,500 for 2026.
