Trump is a fighter for Christians around the world not just at home.
President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States carried out targeted airstrikes in northwest Nigeria on Christmas night, striking ISIS-linked militants blamed for violent attacks against Christian communities.
According to Trump, the operation was ordered directly by him as commander in chief and focused on terrorist groups responsible for what the administration describes as escalating persecution of Christians in the region.
In a Christmas-night statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said the strikes followed repeated warnings to extremist groups that continued violence against Christians would bring swift consequences. He described the military action as precise, effective, and a clear signal that radical Islamic terrorism will not be tolerated under his leadership.
U.S. Military Confirms Nigeria Strikes
The operation was later confirmed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). In a statement released Thursday night, AFRICOM said U.S. forces, working in coordination with Nigerian authorities, conducted airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025.
Military officials emphasized that the strikes were carefully planned and carried out to disrupt terrorist operations while supporting regional security efforts.
Trump Administration Voices Support for Persecuted Christians
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz welcomed the action, saying Christians in Nigeria and around the world could take comfort in knowing the United States is willing to defend religious freedom.
Republican leaders in Congress also praised the strikes. Senator Tom Cotton said the operation demonstrated strong leadership and sent a message to ISIS and similar groups that attacks on civilians—especially religious minorities—will be met with force.
Warning Issued Before Christmas Operation
The Christmas-night strikes followed Trump’s public warning last month that continued violence in Nigeria would result in direct U.S. action. Administration officials say that warning was intended to pressure terrorist groups and signal America’s willingness to act if the killings did not stop.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth later said the president had been clear that attacks on Christians must end. He added that U.S. forces remain prepared to take further action if necessary and credited the Nigerian government for its cooperation.
Visa Restrictions Target Religious Violence
In addition to military action, the administration has moved to apply diplomatic pressure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of organizing, supporting, or carrying out religious violence.
Under the policy, the State Department may deny entry to those involved in serious violations of religious freedom, with some immediate family members also subject to restrictions.
Rubio said the move reflects the administration’s broader response to widespread attacks on Christians by extremist groups and armed militias operating in Nigeria and other regions.
Growing Violence Raises International Concern
The administration’s actions come amid a surge in violent incidents across Nigeria, including deadly attacks on churches, kidnappings of worshipers, and mass abductions from Christian schools. In several recent cases, hundreds of students and staff were taken hostage, with many still unaccounted for.
Citing the scale of the violence, Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom abuses. While Nigerian officials have disputed that classification, the White House has defended the move as necessary.
In a recent radio interview, Trump called the situation “a disgrace,” saying the United States cannot stand by while Christians are targeted for their faith. Rubio echoed that stance, stressing that under Trump’s leadership, America will continue to confront religious persecution wherever it occurs.
