Donald Trump Speaks Out on Renewed Attacks on Christians in Nigeria
United States President, Donald Trump, has doubled down on his allegation that Christians in Nigeria are being killed in large numbers, insisting that the situation poses an “existential threat” to Christianity in the country.
In a video posted on the White House’s official account on Wednesday, Trump claimed that “thousands and thousands” of Christians were being slaughtered by what he called “radical Islamists.”
Speaking in the clip, the US President said the reported killings were alarming and must be urgently addressed.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” he said.
Trump added that he had invoked a legal provision to formally classify Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
“I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern. That’s a legal definition,” he stated.
According to him, the scale of violence demanded immediate action.
Trump further stated, “When the Christians or any such group is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria — 3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide, something has to be done.”
Describing the figures he cited as “horrible numbers,” Trump directed US lawmakers to take up the matter without delay.
He said, “I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and to report back to me. And I mean like immediately.”
He warned that the United States would not watch idly while alleged atrocities continue.
Trump added, “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world. This is not going to happen. The killing of Christians is not going to happen.”
Trump had earlier threatened to deploy the US Department of War to Nigeria if the alleged Christian killings were not halted, saying US military intervention was on the table.
Last week, he officially designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing alleged religious persecution, a claim the Nigerian government has strongly dismissed.