Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has expressed support for President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to the persecution of Christians. The announcement was made following President Trump’s recent action addressing religious violence in Nigeria.
“I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today. Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behavior of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures. Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership,” said Sen. Cruz.
Senator Cruz has previously introduced legislation aimed at designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, which would impose sanctions on Nigerian officials involved in Islamist jihadist violence or enforcement of blasphemy laws.
Cruz has maintained his Senate seat through several election cycles, winning against Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% of the vote compared to Allred's 44.6%. In earlier elections, he defeated Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% over O'Rourke's 48.3%, and Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5% against Sadler's 40.6%.
