Rapper Nicki Minaj recently expressed her gratitude towards President Donald Trump for his decision to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern." This announcement, made on Friday, highlights the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria by radical Islamist groups.
In a post on X, Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, shared her feelings about the situation. She wrote, “We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.” She emphasized the importance of respecting different beliefs, stating that many countries face similar horrors and it is crucial to acknowledge them.
Minaj also extended her support to all faiths, mentioning that “there are ‘extremists’ in every religion.” She sent love to her Muslim fans, known as "Barbz," and called for everyone to be able to worship peacefully.
United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, praised Minaj for using her platform to bring attention to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. He invited her to discuss further what the Trump administration is doing to protect religious freedoms globally.
In his own statement, Trump highlighted the urgent need to address the violence against Christians in Nigeria, stating that thousands have been killed by radical Islamists. He called for immediate action from Congress to investigate the situation and ensure that the U.S. does not stand by while such atrocities occur.
This designation by Trump comes after Nigeria was previously labeled a "Country of Particular Concern" during his first term, a status that was reversed under the Biden administration. The ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria has raised significant concerns, with Trump noting that the situation represents an existential threat to Christianity in the region.
As the conversation around religious freedom continues to grow, Minaj’s statements and Trump’s actions have sparked discussions about the importance of protecting all individuals’ rights to worship freely, regardless of their faith.
