Four possible reasons Trump is so, so angry with Nigeria

Shithole. Disgraced country. Guns-a-blazing. US PresidentDonald Trump really has it in for Nigeria with his uncomplimentary rhetoric. In the past 48 hours, diplomatic tensions between the US andNigeria have spiralled from muted strain to open confrontation. Trump — who hasaccused the Nigerian government of ignoring “Christian genocide” in the country— has now gone beyond remarks to issuing a threat of military action. “If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killingof Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing’, tocompletely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horribleatrocities,” Trump wrote. “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to preparefor possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, justlike the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians. Warning: the Nigeriangovernment better move fast!” Almost instantly, Pete Hegseth, US secretary of war,responded, saying his department is preparing for possible action. Those who can read between the lines, however, are notconvinced that Trump is worried about genocide or persecution. Diplomaticsources told TheCable that he is after a pound of flesh after feeling slightedby the Nigerian government over a number of issues. 1. NIGERIA’S TWO-STATE STAND ON GAZASince the resumed Israeli hostilities in Gaza, Nigeria’sstance has been for an immediate ceasefire, backing a two-state solution andcondemning the humanitarian toll. Nigeria has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution andhas aligned with a broad international push for a ceasefire and humanitarianaccess. Those positions have been expressed at international fora, includingArab/Islamic summits and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). US foreign policy is pro-Israel. So, when a country likeNigeria, a major African democracy with a significant Christian population anda beneficiary of US aid, takes a stance seen as anti-Israeli, it is like a slapin the face for Trump and the broader American establishment alike. Diplomatic sources told TheCable that Israel activated itsWashington, DC lobby after Nigeria’s call for a two-state solution at the UNGA,with Ted Cruz, the American senator and Israel’s chief supporter, leading thecharge and drafting legislation to categorise Nigeria as a country whereChristians are persecuted. 2. NIGERIA’S REFUSAL TO ACCEPT DEPORTEES The Trump administration has moved aggressively to reduceirregular immigration and to deport non-citizens from the US. Part of thatpolicy has involved pressuring third countries — including some in Africa — totake back nationals or other foreign deportees. But Nigeria vehemently rejectedthat request. Deportations pose both humanitarian and security challenges.Sudden, large-scale returns of individuals — including those with irregularstatus, criminal records, or fragile mental and physical health after complexjourneys — require vetting, reintegration support, and, in some cases, legalprocessing. For Nigeria, which already contends with strained socialservices, security threats such as banditry and terrorism, and massdeportations carried out on short notice, would place a significant strain onthe country. Part of the reason the US imposed visa restrictions onNigeria was the country’s refusal to accept asylum seekers. A similarrestriction was imposed on Ghana but as you as the West African country buckledand accepted deportees, Trump restored approval of five-year visa forGhanaians. 3. THEY DON’T LIKE OUR ROMANCE WITH CHINA AND RUSSIANigeria, under Tinubu, has actively courted deeper economicand security ties with China and — to a lesser but notable extent — Russia,with growing trade. Nigeria is also a partner member of BRICS, which Trump hasthreatened with tariffs. China offers investment, credit lines and fast delivery oninfrastructure; non-Western military partners can offer quicker procurement andfewer political conditions than some. Deeper Nigerian ties with Beijing and Moscow are a problemfor America. First, close relationships with China or Russia will limit USinfluence over Nigerian policy choices on security, trade and diplomaticalignments. For Trump and his allies, the optics of Nigeria’spartnerships feed into a broader narrative that portrays US partners asdefecting to rivals. 4. QUEST FOR AIR BASE IN NIGERIA Over the past year, there have been reports and social mediaclaims suggesting the US is seeking to establish a military base in Nigeria andexpand its footprint in West Africa. Both countries have denied the claims. The recent scaling back of Western military presence inthree junta-led Sahel countries — Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — coupled withthe expanding influence of Russia and China through defence partnerships,TheCable understands, is behind the quest for a military base in Nigeria. Even without formal plans for a base, many Nigerians suspectthe US wants a lasting m

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