‎Trump Orders U.S. Military to Prepare for Possible Action in Nigeria Over Alleged Christian Persecution

By: Shawn
‎U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the Defense Department to prepare for possible military intervention in Nigeria after accusing the country of permitting violence against Christians—a claim Nigerian officials firmly reject.
‎
‎Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, alleging what he called a “mass slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria. He said the United States would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” and warned the government to act quickly to stop the attacks.
‎
Donald Trump directs the Pentagon to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria amid claims of Christian persecution, which Nigeria denies.
‎Samuel Corum/Getty Images
‎
‎In a follow-up message, Trump stated that the U.S. “may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” He added that he had instructed the Department of War to prepare for potential action, promising that any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
‎
‎The remarks came a day after Trump’s administration designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act. The classification signals that U.S. authorities believe Nigeria has engaged in or tolerated systematic and severe violations of religious freedom. Trump claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.”
‎
‎Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the designation, asserting that it misrepresents the country’s situation. “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said in a statement. He emphasized his government’s commitment to safeguarding freedom of religion for all citizens and maintaining cooperation with the U.S. and international community to protect communities of all faiths.
‎
‎Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s press secretary, also responded to comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had condemned the “slaughter of thousands of Christians.” Onanuga described that claim as “a gross exaggeration,” explaining that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence. He said Nigeria needs military support, not punitive designations, to combat terrorism and insurgency.
‎
‎Security analysts note that Nigeria’s violence stems from complex factors including terrorism, ethnic and communal conflicts, and resource-driven disputes between farmers and herders. Although Christian communities have suffered attacks, local reports indicate that many victims of extremist violence are Muslims residing in the country’s northern regions.
‎
‎Both the White House and the Nigerian presidency have yet to issue formal responses to Trump’s statement or clarify whether diplomatic discussions are ongoing.

Comments

Post a Comment

TRENDING!

‎Trump Administration's New Rule Limits Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

Image
‎Student loan borrowers seeking debt relief through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program could face new obstacles due to a rule issued under the Trump administration. The change, which modifies eligibility standards for participating organizations, affects many workers pursuing forgiveness after a decade of public service. ‎ ‎A new Trump administration rule restricts Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, impacting nonprofits and public service workers. ‎Tom Brenner/The Washington Post ‎ ‎The PSLF program, launched in 2007 under President George W. Bush, allows qualifying borrowers employed in public service or nonprofit sectors to have their remaining federal student loan balances forgiven after ten years of eligible payments. The initiative was created to attract professionals to critical fields such as education, healthcare, and social work. ‎ ‎Under an executive order signed in March, certain organizations are now excluded from the program. The order...
Read more

‎Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates Again Amid Inflation and Job Market Struggles

Image
‎The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, marking the second rate reduction this year as the U.S. central bank works to stimulate economic activity and strengthen a slowing labor market. The decision highlights the Fed’s ongoing challenge of balancing rising inflation with signs of weakening employment growth. ‎ ‎The Federal Reserve lowers interest rates for the second time this year to support a slowing U.S. economy as inflation and job concerns persist. ‎Kent Nishimura/Getty Images ‎ ‎At a press conference following the announcement, Fed Chair Jerome Powell likened the economy to “driving in the fog,” explaining that policymakers are proceeding cautiously amid uncertainty. The cut is intended to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, potentially reducing rates on credit cards and auto loans. ‎ ‎The Fed’s accompanying statement noted that economic growth continues, but job gains have slowed and inflation remai...
Read more

‎Supreme Court to Hear Tariff Power Challenges Against Trump Under IEEPA

Image
‎The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled expedited oral arguments for November 5 in two consolidated cases that challenge President Donald Trump’s authority to impose widespread tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The cases, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, were granted one hour for combined argument—an unusually swift scheduling by the Court’s standards. ‎ ‎The Supreme Court will review challenges to Trump’s use of IEEPA for tariffs on Nov. 5, focusing on presidential emergency powers in trade. ‎Associated Press ‎ ‎Small businesses and multiple states brought the challenges, asserting that the former president overstepped his legal authority by invoking emergency powers to implement import tariffs on goods from nearly every country. They argue these measures pushed many businesses to the brink of financial collapse and violated the scope of federal law. ‎ ‎The legal debate centers on the IEEPA, a statute enac...
Read more

‎Sean 'Diddy' Combs Transferred to FCI Fort Dix Federal Prison After 50-Month Sentence

Image
‎Sean “Diddy” Combs has been officially transferred to the low-security Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix in New Jersey, according to a source cited by Rolling Stone. The move follows a federal court’s sentencing of the music mogul to 50 months in prison after his conviction on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for commercial sex. The Federal Bureau of Prisons lists his projected release date as May 8, 2028. ‎ Sean “Diddy” Combs begins his 50-month federal prison term at FCI Fort Dix, with a projected release date of May 8, 2028. ‎Elizabeth Williams/AP ‎ ‎Combs’ attorney, Teny Geragos, had previously requested that U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian recommend placement at FCI Fort Dix. In an October 6 filing, Geragos argued that the facility’s programs would allow Combs to participate in drug rehabilitation initiatives and maintain consistent family visitation opportunities. The prison’s location, roughly 80 miles from Manhattan, also allow...
Read more

Eurovision Delays Vote on Israel Ban Amid Gaza Ceasefire Developments

Image
‎The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has postponed its vote on whether to ban Israel from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The organization announced that the decision will be deferred until its winter general assembly on December 4 to allow for in-person discussion following “recent developments in the Middle East.” ‎ EBU delays Eurovision vote on Israel’s participation as Gaza ceasefire and global cultural boycotts reshape the conversation. ‎Evelyn Hockstein/POOL/AFP via Getty Images ‎ ‎The delay coincides with progress in the fragile Gaza ceasefire, under which Israel and Hamas began releasing hostages and detainees this week. The partial truce has renewed international focus on cultural boycotts and questions about how creative industries respond to conflict. ‎ ‎The Eurovision postponement follows rising scrutiny of cultural and media organizations supporting boycotts of Israeli institutions. The advocacy group U.K. Lawyers for Israel recently warned that particip...
Read more

Trump Signs Executive Order: U.S. Will Defend Qatar

Image
‎President Donald Trump has formalized a major shift in U.S. Middle East policy by signing an executive order that guarantees the United States will protect Qatar in the event of any armed attack. The order establishes a firm U.S. commitment to the security of the Gulf state, which is a designated major non-NATO ally and host to key American military operations. ‎ ‎Trump signs executive order ensuring U.S. protection for Qatar, solidifying defense ties and pledging military support amid regional instability. ‎Alex Brandon/AP ‎ ‎The executive order, dated Monday, declares that any armed aggression targeting Qatar’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or critical infrastructure will be treated as a direct threat to U.S. peace and security interests. It further states that Washington will respond with all lawful and appropriate measures, which may include diplomatic, economic, or military action. ‎ ‎The announcement came on the same day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah...
Read more

‎Trump Orders Halt to Gaza Bombing as Hamas Considers Hostage Deal Under U.S. Peace Plan

Image
‎U.S. President Donald Trump has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’ partial endorsement of elements in his recently proposed plan to end the nearly two-year conflict. The proposal, aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks, outlines a roadmap for ceasefire, reconstruction, and political transition in the Gaza Strip. ‎ ‎Trump urges Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas signals partial acceptance of U.S. peace plan tied to hostage release and ceasefire talks. ‎Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images ‎ ‎Hamas confirmed its willingness to release the hostages and transfer authority to other Palestinian entities. However, senior leaders stated that several key elements still require further consultations with other Palestinian factions. Points of disagreement remain, particularly regarding governance and security arrangements in Gaza post-conflict. ‎ ‎Israel has not officially responded...
Read more

‎Defense Secretary Hegseth Fires Powerful Navy Chief of Staff Amid Leadership Reshuffle

Image
‎Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday removed Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison, a top aide known for wielding rare influence in the service’s internal operations. The decision comes shortly after the Senate confirmation of Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao. ‎ ‎Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison was dismissed by Defense Secretary Hegseth following Hung Cao's confirmation and a shake-up in Pentagon leadership. ‎Andrew Harnik ‎ ‎A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed Harrison’s dismissal, stating, “He will no longer serve as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy. We are grateful for his service to the Department.” Harrison did not offer any public comment regarding the decision. ‎ ‎The role of chief of staff to the Navy secretary has traditionally operated behind the scenes, typically focused on managing logistics and administrative coordination. Since joining the Navy Department in January, Harrison had taken on an unusually prominent role in shaping policy and organization...
Read more

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman Becomes a Billionaire After Profits and Stock Skyrocket

Image
‎Tech founders often reach billionaire status rapidly, but Reddit CEO Steve Huffman took a longer path to join the world’s wealthiest. Nearly twenty years after cofounding Reddit, Huffman’s net worth soared to $1.2 billion following the platform’s record-breaking earnings and stock performance. ‎ Reddit CEO Steve Huffman’s net worth hits $1.2 billion as Reddit posts record profits and a 75% stock jump after two decades of growth. ‎Spencer Platt/Staff/Getty Images ‎ ‎Reddit reported a net income of $163 million in its latest quarterly report, marking its fifth straight quarter of profitability since going public in March 2024. Shares climbed 7.5% to close at $208.95, reflecting a 75% increase over the previous year. This milestone marks a dramatic turnaround for the social media giant, which spent most of its two-decade history grappling with profitability challenges. ‎ ‎As one of Reddit’s largest individual shareholders, Huffman holds approximately 3.1 million shares, givin...
Read more