WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday announced that Nigeria is now officially a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, citing relentless persecution and the “mass slaughter” of Christians by radical Islamist terrorists. You don’t need a foreign policy Ph.D. to see what’s happening—just a conscience.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, noting that “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” He added: “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it… When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!” When human lives are on the line, action beats hashtags every time.
Trump said he has asked Congressman Riley Moore, along with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into the matter and report back. The message was clear: “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!” Imagine that—moral clarity from the Commander-in-Chief.
Riley Moore responded on X, thanking the President for the designation: “You have always been a champion for Christians around the world, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you and Chairman Cole @houseappropsgop to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being slaughtered by radical Islamists in Nigeria.” Leadership meets responsibility—a refreshing combo.
Other CPC countries include Burma, the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. For those keeping score, Nigeria held CPC status during Trump’s first term; under President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken removed Nigeria from that list—despite pleas from religious freedom advocates. Some folks talk about “values”; others act like they mean it.
Bottom line: Declaring Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern is more than a label—it’s a statement of American resolve. When Christians are targeted and slaughtered, something must be done—and now, something is. With firm leadership and a clear mandate, the U.S. is standing up for religious freedom and the lives of innocent people. That’s the America we believe in—strong, principled, and on the side of the persecuted.
