Trump’s Anger Linked to Alleged Tinubu Support for Harris Campaign

A political science and international relations professor at the University of Abuja says former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent anger toward Nigeria is tied to an alleged role President Bola Tinubu played in supporting Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.

Speaking on Trust TV, the scholar claimed that Mr Tinubu was “among those who contributed money” to back Ms Harris. He argued that Mr Trump “has vengeance” and “will never forgive that,” suggesting it is a key reason behind the former U.S. leader’s threats and hardline rhetoric toward Nigeria.

The professor further said the issue is not primarily about religion or regional politics within Nigeria. Instead, he claimed, it is about international power plays and campaign funding. According to him, Mr Tinubu “mobilised money through France,” allegedly involving French President Emmanuel Macron, to support Ms Harris’ White House bid.

He offered two additional reasons for rising U.S.–Nigeria tensions:

1. Energy and geopolitics: The United States is reassessing its dependence on Middle Eastern oil, where political instability could grow over the next decade. He argued that Washington is looking to energy-rich African countries, naming Nigeria, Angola and Algeria, as potential strategic alternatives, and claimed Nigeria’s oil reserves may be larger than many assume.
   
2. Foreign policy posture: He described President Tinubu as maintaining a limited relationship with the broader Western bloc, while enjoying a particularly close rapport with France and its President Macron. In his view, this realignment has unsettled traditional partners

He framed these points as the main drivers of Mr Trump’s stance on Nigeria, beyond public arguments about religious freedom or human-rights concerns.

Note: The claims reported here are assertions made during a media interview. As of publication, there has been no independent verification of the alleged campaign funding or the specific diplomatic motives described. Neither the Nigerian Presidency, Ms Harris’ team, nor Mr Trump’s representatives had issued formal responses at the time of filing.