US Lawmakers Slam Trump Over Military Threat to Nigeria, Call Remarks “Irresponsible and Reckless”

Two senior members of the United States Congress, Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs, have sharply criticised President Donald Trump over his recent threat to cut off aid and launch military action against Nigeria, describing his remarks as “irresponsible and reckless.”

Meeks, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Jacobs, the Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee, issued a joint statement on Monday, rejecting both Trump’s comments and the administration’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

“The Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern ignores the complex reality of violence there,” the lawmakers said.
“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 lawmakers emphasised that terrorist groups have targeted both Christians and Muslims, particularly in northern Nigeria, which continues to suffer violent attacks by bandit and extremist groups.

“All Nigerians deserve protection, and we know President Tinubu recognises the importance of interfaith harmony and is working to address this challenge,” the statement added.

The congressional leaders condemned Trump’s threat to “defend Christians” through possible U.S. military intervention, arguing that such rhetoric could destabilise international relations and fuel unnecessary conflict.

“It is incredibly irresponsible of President Trump to threaten military action. Providing security support is one thing; threatening military intervention is another matter entirely. Such rhetoric risks embroiling the United States in another needless war,” they stated.

On Trump’s threat to suspend aid to Nigeria, Meeks and Jacobs warned that such action would harm vital humanitarian and development programmes that support millions of vulnerable Nigerians.

“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.

The statement underscores growing opposition in Washington to Trump’s foreign policy approach toward Africa, particularly his handling of complex security issues through the lens of religious conflict.

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