US House votes to cut 100% aid to Nigeria over Christian persecution claims

Last Thursday the US House of Representatives passed an amendment that would withhold 100% of assistance to Nigeria until the government takes effective steps to stop terrorist attacks. Gregory Steube, the congressman from Florida who proposed it, said on his X page that American taxpayers should not be bankrolling a government that turns a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured, and murdered. He specifically called out the abduction of Christian women and girls, the burning of churches, and the erasure of entire communities.

This is not a small thing. Initially they wanted to cut only 50% back in April, but Steube argued that was basically rewarding Nigeria for failing to protect its citizens. He connected it to America's own debt crisis, asking why they should keep sending money when their national debt is approaching $40 trillion. Of course the Senate still has to approve it and the President must sign, so nothing changes immediately. But the symbolism is heavy.

This comes after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a 'Country of Particular Concern' for 2025 over Christian persecution allegations, and after that US missile strike on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day that strained relations. Our government keeps denying there is persecution, but when the US is passing bills like this, and when you look at what is happening in the North, be honest — are we really doing enough to protect everyone, or are we just playing politics with people's lives?