American cruise missile strikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria on Christmas Day have been enthusiastically welcomed by supporters of former President Donald Trump, who described the action as a forceful response to the killing of Christians in the country.
Republican Lawmakers Celebrate 'Decisive' Action
The strikes, carried out on Friday in Offa, Kwara state in coordination with the Nigerian government, were immediately framed by Trump-aligned figures as a direct retaliation for jihadist violence. Far-right activist Laura Loomer posted on X, formerly Twitter, calling it a justified "mass killing" of terrorists and "a better way to celebrate Christmas."
Republican Congressman Randy Fine of Florida labelled the operation an "amazing Christmas present." He stated the president was showing that "we will no longer tolerate these barbarians," referencing attacks on Christians in Nigeria and beyond. The response highlights a focused political pressure campaign concerning religious violence in Nigeria, distinct from other foreign policy approaches.
Mounting Pressure Over Nigeria's Security Crisis
Pressure on the US administration to act has been building for months. In November, a congressional resolution was introduced by West Virginia's Riley Moore calling for Nigeria to be designated a "country of particular concern" due to religious violence. Moore warned after the strikes, "Do not test President Trump's resolve in this matter."
This sentiment was echoed by other prominent Republicans. Ted Budd, a senator from North Carolina, said the strikes would "save lives & protect religious freedom," while Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton commended the action against "bloodthirsty IS savages." The rhetoric underscores how attacks by groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have galvanised sections of the US political right.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom issued an advisory in July, criticising the Nigerian government's response to violence by Fulani herders, bandits, and insurgent groups. In October, Texas Senator Ted Cruz claimed over 50,000 Christians in Nigeria have been massacred since 2009, vowing to hold perpetrators accountable.
A Contrast in Foreign Policy and a Warning of More Strikes
The unified Republican applause for the Nigeria strikes presents a contrast to the party's more divided stance on US intervention in Venezuela, where some have warned against military action. The Nigeria operation also follows closely behind major US strikes on IS networks in Syria earlier in the week.
Looking ahead, officials have signalled that the Christmas Day action may not be the last. There have been warnings of additional US strikes against IS targets in northern Nigeria, suggesting an ongoing, coordinated campaign with Nigerian forces.
The issue reached a broader audience at the recent AmericaFest conservative gathering, where rapper Nicki Minaj spoke with Erika Kirk about the oppression of Christians in Nigeria, stating such brutality "should spark outrage in America."
