US lawmaker slams Trump’s ‘reckless’ military warning to Nigeria

United States’ congresswoman, Sara Jacobs, has criticised President Donald Trump over his threat to take military action against Nigeria in response to claims of a Christian genocide, calling the stance “reckless.”

Jacobs made the remarks on Thursday during a US Congress hearing examining Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern.

Representing California’s 51st District — which covers San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove — the Democrat argued that framing Nigeria’s violence as purely religious fails to reflect the broader crisis.

“President Trump’s threat is reckless, and any unilateral military action in Nigeria is illegal. Congress has not authorized force in Nigeria to protect Christians,” she said. Jacobs is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and serves as the Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Africa.

She noted that both Christians and Muslims are victims of the ongoing violence and urged the Nigerian government to step up efforts to safeguard its population.