U.S. President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over allegations of widespread persecution and genocide against Christians.
Announcing the decision on his Truth Social account on Friday, Trump said Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, citing reports of killings and attacks allegedly carried out by radical Islamist groups.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote.
Following the declaration, Nigeria was added to the U.S. State Department’s list of Countries of Particular Concern—a designation for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom. The list already includes countries such as China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan.
Trump further stated that he had asked U.S. Representatives Riley Moore and Tom Cole, as well as the House Appropriations Committee, to investigate the situation and provide recommendations on potential U.S. policy responses.
In a related development, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has introduced new legislative measures aimed at challenging the enforcement of blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria, following Trump’s announcement.
Cruz, in a post on X, expressed satisfaction with the president’s action, describing it as a “critical step” toward holding accountable Nigerian officials who, according to him, have “enabled or tolerated religious persecution.”
“I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination,” Cruz said. “I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and my legislation will lock in the designation made today.”
He explained that the proposed law would impose additional measures targeting individuals involved in implementing blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria, while reinforcing America’s commitment to defending global religious freedom.
“Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership,” he added.