US lawmakers disown Trump over threats to invade Nigeria

Two senior members of the United States Congress have condemned President Donald Trump’s recent threats to cut aid and possibly take military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

In a joint statement on Monday, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Sara Jacobs, ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, described Trump’s comments as “irresponsible and reckless.”

The lawmakers also rejected the Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), arguing that it oversimplifies the complex causes of violence in the country.

“The designation ignores the reality that clashes between farmers and herders are often driven by resource scarcity and land competition, not religion,” the statement read. “Terrorist groups have targeted both Christians and Muslims, especially in northern Nigeria, where communities continue to face attacks by criminal gangs known as bandits.”

Meeks and Jacobs commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony and improve security, emphasizing that *“all Nigerians deserve protection.”

They further criticized Trump’s suggestion to “defend Christians” through military intervention, calling it a “reckless response to distorted facts.”

“It is incredibly irresponsible for President Trump to threaten military action. Providing security assistance is one thing; threatening intervention is something else entirely. Such rhetoric risks dragging the United States into another unnecessary conflict,” the statement said.

The lawmakers also warned that cutting U.S. aid to Nigeria could have serious humanitarian consequences. “Trump’s aid cuts have blocked essential programs that provide emergency nutrition and livelihood support initiatives that are key to preventing the spread of insurgency,” they added.

The comments come amid rising international concern over violence in Nigeria, particularly in the north, where conflicts between communities, bandits, and terrorist groups have intensified.