31 US Lawmakers Back Trump On Nigeria Sanctions Push

Thirty-one members of the United States Congress have thrown their support behind President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), calling for tougher sanctions on individuals and groups accused of religious violence.

In a statement released by Representative Robert Aderholt, chairman of the House Values Action Team, the lawmakers described Trump’s move as a bold act of leadership that offers renewed hope to millions of Christians who have suffered years of attacks across parts of Nigeria. The group praised the president’s commitment to defending religious freedom and urged the U.S. government to take stronger action to stop the killings.

The lawmakers said terrorist groups operating in Nigeria have killed thousands of Christians annually, and that Washington must confront the violence through diplomatic and strategic measures. They urged the Trump administration to impose more sanctions on those responsible and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its alleged failure to act.

Representative Chris Smith, who heads the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, called the reinstatement of Nigeria’s CPC status a major step in addressing what he described as “unchecked atrocities” against Christians. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer also commended Trump’s decision, saying it showed the U.S. would not ignore attacks on faith communities.

Other Republican lawmakers, including Lisa McClain, Josh Brecheen, Mary Miller, Mark Alford, Don Bacon, Andy Biggs, Gus Bilirakis, and Tim Walberg, joined the call for stronger international pressure. They urged the United States to use every available diplomatic and military tool to ensure accountability and protect vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

President Trump, in a recent message posted on his Truth Social platform, warned that the United States could cut aid or even take military action if the killings of Christians continue. He stated that Nigeria’s situation represents a grave threat to global religious freedom, vowing that the U.S. would not stand by while such violence persists.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has dismissed the allegations of a “Christian genocide,” insisting that insecurity in the country affects people across all faiths. It said the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that efforts are ongoing to address terrorism and communal violence nationwide.

Trump’s renewed focus on Nigeria follows growing concern in Washington over religious freedom abuses in Africa. If followed through, the CPC designation could open the door to broad sanctions, visa restrictions, and limits on security cooperation with Abuja — marking a new phase in U.S.-Nigeria relations under his administration.