House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, and Legislative Branch Subcommittee Vice Chair Riley Moore have issued a joint statement commending U.S. President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over the ongoing persecution of Christians across the country.
The lawmakers described Nigeria as “the most dangerous nation on Earth to follow Christ,” condemning the frequent kidnappings, attacks, and killings of Christians for simply practicing their faith. They declared that the Trump administration’s renewed designation sends a clear message that “religious persecution will not be tolerated.”
“Nigeria is the most dangerous nation on Earth to follow Christ. For simply practicing their faith, Christians are actively being kidnapped, attacked, and slaughtered. With President Trump announcing he will be redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, the United States is making clear in one resolute voice: religious persecution will not be tolerated. The scourge of anti-Christian violence and oppression of other religious minorities by radical Islamic terrorists is an affront to religious freedom. This is a critical step in mobilizing leadership and attention to confront evil extremism,” the statement read.
They reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to work with the Trump administration in advancing policies that protect the right to worship freely and safely. “The House Appropriations Committee will continue standing with the Trump Administration by advancing policies that protect the freedom to live according to one’s faith without fear of violence and retribution. Defending religious liberty worldwide is both a moral duty and a vital American interest. We pray other world leaders will follow and join the global effort to stop extremist violence before more innocent lives are lost,” they said.
The statement also linked the issue to ongoing congressional efforts to pass full-year appropriations, underscoring the need to reopen the government and implement the America First agenda. “This is also another significant reminder of why reopening the government and passing full-year appropriations bills is so critically important. Mr. President, we are prepared to act on instituting the America First agenda through our FY26 bill. As soon as the Democrat shutdown ends, we will continue moving full-year appropriations across the finish line to uphold your priorities. We know you’ll be ready at your desk with a pen in hand,” the lawmakers stated.
According to the accompanying issue background, the House Appropriations Committee has aligned its fiscal policies with Trump’s renewed focus on defending religious liberty globally. The Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations bill expands funding for international religious freedom programs and strengthens oversight to ensure U.S. leadership in protecting persecuted communities.
The Committee noted that after four years of inaction by the Biden administration, which declined to list Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, the FY26 bill mandates the State Department to justify any failure to implement recommendations from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. It also directs continued funding for programs supporting Nigerian communities affected by extremist violence.
The lawmakers said Trump’s decisive move ahead of congressional passage highlights the urgency of addressing the human rights crisis in Nigeria and reinforces bipartisan support for protecting religious freedom worldwide.
