Key facts
- President Donald Trump praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's leadership in a letter dated July 6.
- Trump specifically applauded Tinubu's efforts to address violence affecting Christian communities.
- The letter signals a warming of ties, contrasting with Trump's November threats to cut aid over Christian persecution.
- Nigeria had previously rejected allegations of failing to protect Christians, stating insecurity affects all faiths.
- The U.S. and Nigeria established a joint security working group to enhance intelligence sharing and operations against militant groups.
President Donald Trump praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his actions against violence, according to a letter released by Nigeria's presidency. The letter, dated July 6, stated Trump appreciated Tinubu's "decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people" and applauded his efforts to address "the violence affecting Christian communities."
"It is a true honor to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous," Trump wrote. The letter signals a warming of ties between Abuja and Washington since Trump last November accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from extremist violence and threatened to cut aid and take possible military action.