House Values Action Team members in the U.S. House of Representatives have expressed strong support for President Donald Trump’s recent decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to ongoing violence against Christians. The designation comes amid growing concerns over religious persecution in Nigeria, which lawmakers say has become increasingly severe.
“Nigeria has become the most dangerous place in the world for Christians,” said House Values Action Team Chairman Robert Aderholt. “President Trump’s commitment to end the Christian genocide in Nigeria and his designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern gives hope to the people of Nigeria. This persecution of Christians must end.”
Aderholt, who represents Alabama’s 4th district and has served in Congress since 1997 after replacing Tom Bevill, also highlighted America’s role on the global stage: “Terrorist groups in Nigeria are responsible for killing thousands of believers every year, and President Trump has made it clear that America will lead in confronting this violence and defend people of faith across the globe,” he said. He added, “Across the world, religious persecution is spreading unchecked. Freedom of religion is one of our most cherished rights in the United States—expressly protected by the Constitution–yet it remains under attack worldwide. The United States will not remain silent, will not be complacent, and will not turn away while Christians face violence and discrimination for their faith.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) stated: “God bless President Trump for standing up and protecting Christians around the globe. The United States finally has a leader who is unafraid to do what’s right.”
GOP House Conference Chair Lisa McClain (MI-09) commented: “The brutal persecution and genocide of Christians in Nigeria is a moral outrage and a crime against humanity. This evil demands action, not silence. I commend President Trump for his courage to declare this genocide and hold those responsible to account. His leadership in defending Christians and standing up for religious freedom around the world is exactly what America needs.”
Other members echoed these sentiments, calling attention to both U.S. policy actions and international responsibilities.
House VAT Co-Chair Josh Brecheen (OK-02) said: “I am truly grateful to President Trump for bringing awareness to this genocide in Nigeria and urge everyone to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters there. No country should allow this to continue and the international community should use economic leverage to demand a course correction!”
House VAT Co-Chair Mary Miller (IL-15) remarked: “The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is an unspeakable evil that demands our full attention and immediate action. I stand strongly with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress who are working to hold the Nigerian government accountable and demand protection for Christian communities under attack. America must never turn a blind eye to this genocide—we must always defend faith and freedom.”
Several Executive Committee Members from House VAT stressed accountability measures:
Mark Alford (MO-04): “The ongoing brutal attacks against Christians in Nigeria should shake every American to the core. I strongly support President Trump’s action and will work with my House Republican colleagues to stay actively engaged and ensure targeted Christian communities receive real protection.”
Virginia Foxx (NC-05): “All persons have the right to practice their religion free of persecution. It is paramount that the government of Nigeria upholds this right and protects its Christian citizens who are being unjustly targeted for their beliefs.”
John Moolenaar (MI-04): “President Trump is right to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in response to the disturbing violence against Christians at the hands of terrorists. America must continue speaking out against these atrocities and work with Nigeria to protect innocent lives and uphold religious freedom. It is crucial we use every diplomatic and strategic tool available to ensure the safety of these innocent Chistian congregations and encourage action from the Nigerian government to protect them from violence.”
Gary Palmer (AL-06): “Nigeria’s genocide of Christians is unacceptable, and the United Nations has failed by not addressing these egregious acts. I thank President Trump for his leadership in calling out this atrocity and vowing to take action.”
Chairman Chris Smith (NJ-04), head of House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, noted: “President Trump’s decisive action is a powerful step forward in holding the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity in the unchecked murder, rape, and torture of Christians,” adding that he first introduced legislation on this issue back in January 2023.
Other representatives provided similar statements supporting increased U.S.-led efforts against religious violence abroad.
Robert Aderholt was born Haleyville, Alabama, where he still resides today; he earned degrees from Birmingham–Southern College (BA) and Samford University School of Law before entering public service.
