American military action against Islamic State militants in Nigeria on Christmas Day has been met with widespread praise from supporters of former President Donald Trump, who have long called for a forceful response to violence against Christians in the region.
Republican Lawmakers and Activists Celebrate 'Decisive' Action
The strikes, carried out on Friday in Offa, Kwara state, in coordination with the Nigerian government, were described by some prominent Trump allies as a fitting holiday response. Far-right activist Laura Loomer posted on X, formerly Twitter, calling it a justified "mass killing of Islamic terrorists" and a way to avenge Christian deaths. She claimed the US Department of Defense informed her the action was a direct response to IS jihadists killing Christians in Nigeria.
Republican Congressman Randy Fine of Florida labelled the operation an "amazing Christmas present!". He stated on X that with "Muslim terrorists attacking Christians" internationally, the president was showing the US "will no longer tolerate these barbarians."
The response highlights a focused political pressure campaign concerning Nigeria, distinct from other foreign policy approaches. This contrasts with some Republican caution over US involvement in Venezuela, where the Trump administration is applying economic and military pressure.
Mounting Pressure Over Nigeria's Religious Violence
Pressure on the US administration to act has been building for months. In July, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom issued an advisory criticising the Nigerian government's response to violence by groups including Fulani herders, bandits, and insurgents like Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In November, a congressional resolution was introduced by West Virginia Republican Riley Moore, calling for Nigeria to be designated a "country of particular concern" due to religious violence. Following the strikes, Moore warned, "Do not test President Trump's resolve in this matter," calling the action "just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians."
Other Republican lawmakers quickly voiced support. North Carolina Senator Ted Budd said IS was responsible for thousands of Christian deaths in Nigeria and that Trump's "decisive strikes will save lives & protect religious freedom." Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton commended the administration and troops for striking "bloodthirsty IS savages" who persecute Christians and have killed Americans.
A Long-Standing Crisis and Broader Campaign
Texas Senator Ted Cruz claimed in October that over 50,000 Christians in Nigeria have been massacred since 2009, with thousands of churches and schools destroyed. The issue has also resonated in broader conservative circles; at the recent Turning Point USA AmericaFest, rapper Nicki Minaj discussed the oppression of Christians in Nigeria with Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk.
The Nigeria strikes occurred less than a week after the US conducted over 70 strikes against IS networks in Syria, following an attack that killed two American service members and a civilian. Admiral Brad Cooper of US Central Command said those strikes were critical to preventing IS from inspiring attacks on the US homeland.
Looking ahead, officials have warned of additional US strikes against IS targets in northern Nigeria, signalling an ongoing commitment to the joint operations with Abuja.
