United States Senator Ted Cruz has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing legislation aimed at curbing the enforcement of Sharia and blasphemy laws in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s recent decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians.
In a statement published on his official website, Senator Cruz commended President Trump for the move, describing it as a significant step toward holding Nigerian officials accountable for religious violence and discrimination.
“I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination,” Cruz said. “For years, I have fought to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and I introduced legislation that will reinforce today’s designation.”
He added that his proposed legislation seeks to impose targeted measures against those enforcing blasphemy and Sharia laws, stressing that the effort is part of a broader campaign to protect religious freedom.
“Today’s designation is a critical step in changing the behavior of Nigerian officials who have enabled these outrages,” Cruz noted. “My legislation will go further by ensuring that those responsible are identified and sanctioned.”
President Trump, in his statement on Truth Social, cited claims of genocide against Christians as the reason for redesignating Nigeria, warning that the U.S. would not “stand by while such atrocities occur.”
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump posted. “Thousands of Christians are being killed by radical Islamists. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’—but that is only the beginning.”
He added that he has directed congressional allies, including Rep. Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), to investigate the situation and present their findings.
“The United States stands ready, willing, and able to protect Christians around the world,” Trump declared.
Sharia law remains prevalent in northern Nigeria, where several incidents of violence have been linked to allegations of blasphemy. Rights groups have repeatedly condemned the killings and called for stronger protections for religious minorities.
