Trump Designates Nigeria ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Christian Persecution

The designation follows calls by Sen. Ted Cruz for sanctions against the country.

President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Oct. 31, 2025. Samuel Corum/Getty Images

President Donald Trump said on Oct. 31 that he would designate Nigeria a “country of particular concern” because of widespread violence toward and murder of Christians there.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”