WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two senior members of the United States Congress have condemned former President Donald Trump’s recent threat to cut off aid and launch military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, describing the comments as “irresponsible and reckless.”

Trump, in a recent statement, had accused Nigeria’s government of complicity in attacks against Christians and warned of possible military intervention.

Reacting, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee, faulted both Trump’s remarks and the decision of his administration to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the lawmakers said the former president’s position “ignores the complex reality of violence” in Nigeria.

“The Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern ignores the complex reality of violence there,” the statement read. “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 noted that terrorist groups and criminal gangs have killed both Christians and Muslims, particularly in the northern region, which continues to suffer from violent attacks by bandits and extremists.

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

They described Trump’s threat to “defend Christians” in Nigeria through military means as a reckless overreaction to distorted facts, warning that such rhetoric could inflame tensions and destabilize relations between both countries.

“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,” the statement added.

On the threat to cut US aid to Nigeria, the lawmakers argued that such action would undermine ongoing humanitarian and development efforts, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

“Trump’s aid cuts have blocked much-needed emergency nutrition and livelihoods training — the very types of programs essential to stopping the spread of insurgency,” they said.

The lawmakers reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism through diplomatic engagement, humanitarian assistance, and programs that promote peace and interfaith cooperation.