Nicki Minaj praised President Donald Trump for speaking out against extremism targeting Christians in Nigeria.
The rapper, 42, emphasized on X that no group should face persecution for their religious beliefs and called for mutual respect despite differences.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with 240 million people and a balanced Muslim-Christian population, denies allegations of genocide against Christians. The government affirms its commitment to combating violent extremism and maintaining religious tolerance.
President Trump announced plans to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom violations, potentially triggering U.S. sanctions and restrictions on aid. This move reverses the policy change under President Biden, who had removed Nigeria from the watchlist. Trump highlighted the “existential threat” to Christians in Nigeria and other nations, urging Congress to investigate.
Minaj reposted Trump’s message, expressing deep gratitude and calling attention to global persecution issues. She thanked the President and encouraged prayers for persecuted Christians.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa responded by stating Nigeria’s refusal to accept false characterizations and reiterated efforts to fight extremism fueled by external interests. He stressed the country’s respect for diversity, faith, and inclusion aligned with international norms.
While U.S. Republicans such as Rep. John James (MI) and Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) applauded Trump’s move, Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani dismissed it as “founded on outright falsehoods and wholesale misinformation.”
“Terrorists and bandits in Nigeria kill and kidnap their victims irrespective of their religious beliefs,” Sani wrote. “It’s technically impossible for one faith to persecute another.”
The House Appropriations Committee is expected to review the situation in Nigeria and recommend next steps.
