President Trump acted like a commander-in-chief who refuses to stand idly by while innocent Christians are slaughtered abroad, ordering precision strikes against Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria on December 25–26, 2025. The strikes, which the White House said were aimed at militants who have been brutalizing communities, marked a stark break from the weak-kneed foreign policy favored by the left and the bureaucracy.
This was not reckless adventurism; U.S. forces carried out the operation in coordination with Nigerian authorities against identified Islamic State operatives, according to official accounts, demonstrating that America can use its overwhelming power to protect the vulnerable while respecting partner sovereignty. For those who complain about Trump’s boldness, remember that failing to act is what has allowed terrorists and gangsters to flourish.
Mr. Trump had already put Nigeria back on the “Country of Particular Concern” list for religious freedom abuses and publicly warned he would not tolerate what he called mass killings of Christians — messaging that signaled both moral clarity and the political will to follow through. This administration made it unmistakable: persecution of believers will not be ignored just because the media prefers a narrative that suits its allies.
Predictably, the usual chorus of bureaucrats, pundits, and foreign leaders rushed to criticize, with Nigeria’s government stressing the complexity of its security challenges and rejecting any simple “Christian genocide” framing. That pushback matters and must be taken seriously, but it does not absolve our leaders from defending innocent lives when there is credible evidence of targeted attacks on religious communities.
Conservatives should be frank: we stand for those who cannot defend themselves, and President Trump’s decision to act reflects the kind of leadership America needs in a dangerous world. Let the critics howl in their coastal newsrooms; real patriots measure a president by whether he protects life and liberty, not by whether he reads the correct op-eds.
At the same time, Republicans in Congress and conservative watchdogs must demand clear evidence, tight rules of engagement, and accountability to prevent mission creep and unnecessary entanglement. The Pentagon has publicly wrestled with shifting priorities and surprised staff as this new focus emerged, underscoring the need for careful oversight even as we applaud decisive action.
This moment exposes the moral bankruptcy of those who tolerate persecution abroad while feigning outrage at American resolve. If defending Christian communities and upholding religious freedom makes you a “warmonger” in the eyes of the left, then so be it — better to be a defender than a passive witness to slaughter.
Americans who value faith, family, and freedom should rally behind a presidency that shows courage rather than cowardice. We must keep pressure on our leaders to act responsibly, support allies who request assistance, and never let the global left dictate that religious victims are worthless — because defending the persecuted is not a partisan hobby, it is a duty.
