‘Christian Genocide’: Trump Administration Shifts from Military Threats

The Donald Trump administration has signalled a shift in its approach to Nigeria’s ongoing Christian persecution, moving away from earlier threats of military action and instead focusing on diplomacy, security support, and economic pressure.

President Trump had earlier expressed outrage over the repeated attacks, telling Fox News Radio, “I’m really angry about it. What’s happening in Nigeria is a disgrace.” He warned that U.S. aid could be cut if the violence continued.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth met last week with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, urging the country to take urgent steps to protect Christian communities. The Pentagon said Hegseth emphasised working “by, with, and through Nigeria” to counter Boko Haram and ISWAP threats.

Jonathan Pratt, head of the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, told Congress that any U.S. involvement would span security, policing, and economic tools, signalling a broader approach beyond military intervention.

The renewed attention comes after a string of attacks, including the abduction of more than 300 children and teachers from a Catholic school and a church shooting that left two dead. At a U.N. event, Ambassador Mike Waltz called the killings “a genocide wearing the mask of chaos,” joined by Nicki Minaj, who called for global religious freedom.

While the Trump administration continues to pressure Nigeria, it now appears to be relying on cooperation and strategic tools rather than threats of a “vicious” military strike.