Overview
- President Donald Trump told the Pentagon to ready potential actions related to Nigeria, threatened to halt U.S. assistance, and said he could send troops or conduct airstrikes if killings of Christians persist.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said preparations are underway after the order, with the president describing any potential operation as hard, fast and nimble.
- Nigeria’s government rejected the accusations and the religious‑freedom designation as misrepresenting realities on the ground, while reiterating commitments to protect all citizens and counter extremism.
- Reporting cited widespread confusion and fear among Nigerians over possible U.S. military action, and a Nigerian presidential aide said Trump and President Bola Tinubu may meet to discuss the issue.
- The White House Office of Legal Counsel told lawmakers the administration does not plan to seek new authorization for continued strikes on drug cartels, and Trump declined to confirm potential strikes in Venezuela while saying he does not think the U.S. is moving toward war there.