United States President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly acknowledged the presence of Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, during his address at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.
The annual interfaith gathering, which attracts members of the US Congress, senior government officials, religious leaders and international guests, provided a platform for Trump to reflect on faith, leadership and global religious freedom.
During his remarks, the president paused to recognise Mrs Tinubu in the audience, describing her as a respected religious leader.
“We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too,” Trump said, drawing applause from attendees.
Mrs Tinubu is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential Pentecostal denominations with a significant global footprint.
Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of heightened international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly claims by some US politicians and advocacy groups that Christians face systematic violence in parts of the country.
In late 2025, Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged attacks on Christians, a decision that drew sharp criticism from Nigerian authorities. The Federal Government rejected the designation, arguing that it misrepresents the country’s complex security challenges and risks inflaming religious tensions.
Nigerian officials have consistently maintained that insecurity in the country is driven primarily by terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality that affect citizens across religious lines.
They also emphasise that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship and equal protection for both Muslims and Christians.