A familiar narrative made its predictable appearance on cable television this weekend, as Morgan State University professor Jason Johnson suggested that U.S. military strikes on terror targets in Nigeria were racially motivated rather than a response to real-world violence.
Appearing on MS NOW’s “The Weekend,” Johnson told host Eugene Daniels that the Trump administration was simply looking for another excuse to “engage in violence in a Brown country in order to flex their power.” Because when ISIS terrorists are killing people, the real problem—according to some academics—is apparently the skin tone of the country where it happens.
Johnson questioned the administration’s logic, arguing it made no sense for President Donald Trump to care about African countries he once criticized. He went on a winding commentary that included references to a “giant chess board,” Nicki Minaj, and past rhetoric, suggesting that concern for Nigeria couldn’t possibly be sincere. Subtle analysis, clearly.
He also cited recent comments by Nicki Minaj at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025, where the rapper called for an end to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria—comments Johnson seemed eager to downplay. He questioned whether the figures shared by Republicans regarding Christian deaths were accurate, referencing a BBC investigation and asking whether numbers were being conflated or exaggerated.
Johnson further claimed that terrorist groups operating in Nigeria “don’t care if you are a Christian or a Muslim or any other religion,” asserting that Republicans are overstating the scope of anti-Christian violence. This, despite well-documented attacks on churches, schools, and Christian communities that continue to dominate headlines.
One point Johnson did acknowledge—described as a “vaguely bright spot”—was that the strikes were conducted jointly with the Nigerian government, not unilaterally. That distinction, he argued, had been largely ignored in coverage. Funny how cooperation with an allied government doesn’t quite fit the outrage narrative.
President Trump announced the strikes Thursday night on Truth Social, stating that U.S. forces carried out airstrikes in Northwest Nigeria on Christmas night targeting ISIS militants he said were viciously killing Christians. He called the operation decisive and warned further action would follow if the violence continues. U.S. Africa Command later confirmed the strikes.
The action followed a surge in attacks across Nigeria, including a deadly assault on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State and mass kidnappings at St. Mary’s School in Niger State, where hundreds of students and staff were abducted, with many still held captive.
While critics debate motives from studio chairs, the Trump administration continues to act decisively against terrorism and in defense of innocent lives. Standing up to extremists, supporting allies, and refusing to look the other way isn’t “flexing power”—it’s leadership, and it sends a clear message that America still stands for protecting the vulnerable and confronting evil head-on.
