Two senior members of the United States Congress have openly criticised President Donald Trump for his recent comments threatening to cut aid and launch military action against Nigeria.
In a joint statement released on Monday, Gregory W. Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, condemned Trump’s remarks, describing them as “irresponsible and reckless.”
The lawmakers’ reaction comes after Trump alleged that the Nigerian government was enabling the persecution of Christians, warning that he could authorise American military intervention if the situation continued.
His comments sparked outrage both in Nigeria and abroad, with many calling the statements inflammatory.
According to the statement, Meeks and Jacobs rejected the Trump administration’s decision to label Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
They argued that such a designation oversimplified the nation’s security challenges.
“The Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern ignores the complex reality of violence there,” they said.
The lawmakers explained that clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria were largely driven by land disputes and resource scarcity rather than religious motives.
“Clashes between farmers many but not all of whom are Christian and herders are driven by resource scarcity and land competition, not religion alone,” the statement read.
They also noted that extremist groups have targeted both Christians and Muslims, especially in northern Nigeria, where violent attacks by terrorist organisations and armed bandits have persisted for years.
“All Nigerians deserve protection, and we know President Tinubu recognises the importance of inter-faith harmony and is working to address this challenge,” Meeks and Jacobs added.
Furthermore, the lawmakers rebuked Trump’s threat to “defend Christians” through potential U.S. military intervention, calling it “a reckless response to distorted facts.”
“It is incredibly irresponsible of President Trump to threaten military action,” the statement continued.
“Providing security support is one thing; threatening military intervention is another matter entirely. Such rhetoric risks embroiling the United States in another needless war.”
In addition to opposing military threats, the congress members also rejected Trump’s proposal to cut foreign aid to Nigeria.
“Trump’s aid cuts have blocked much-needed emergency nutrition and livelihoods training, the very types of programmes essential to stopping the spread of insurgency,” they said.
Moreover, Meeks and Jacobs urged the international community to support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its democracy, promote peace, and address violent extremism through collaborative rather than coercive measures.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s government has yet to issue an official response to Trump’s remarks, though diplomatic sources indicate that Abuja is in contact with U.S. officials to clarify its position.
