Trump Letter to President Tinubu.
Claims that United States President Donald Trump wrote a personal commendatory letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are true.
The letter, dated July 6, 2026, was publicly released by the Nigerian Presidency on July 22, 2026, and its authenticity was independently confirmed by Reuters and other international media.
According to the published text, Trump praised Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” and commended his administration’s efforts to tackle terrorism and violence, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities.
He also wrote that it was “a true honour” to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and expressed confidence in strengthening U.S.-Nigeria relations.
Why Was a July 6 Letter Released on July 22?
Some social media users have questioned why a letter dated July 6 was not made public until July 22.
However, this timeline is not unusual in diplomatic practice.
Official correspondence between heads of state is often delivered through diplomatic channels and may only be released to the public days or weeks later.
Governments also routinely delay publication to coincide with important diplomatic engagements or policy announcements.
In this case, Reuters reported that the letter was released days after U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia visited Abuja for talks on strengthening U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation.
The timing suggests the Presidency’s decision to publish the letter was linked to ongoing diplomatic engagement rather than when it was written.
The development is also significant because it marks a notable shift in tone. In late 2025, Trump had publicly criticized Nigeria over violence against Christian communities and warned of possible sanctions if the situation failed to improve.
His latest letter, however, commends Tinubu’s leadership and reflects a warming of relations between Abuja and Washington.
Verdict
True. Donald Trump did write a commendatory letter to President Bola Tinubu.
The letter is dated July 6, 2026, but was officially released by the Nigerian Presidency on July 22, 2026.
There is no credible evidence that the delay makes the letter suspicious or inauthentic.
Rather, the timing is consistent with normal diplomatic protocol and coincided with high-level U.S.-Nigeria security discussions.
Read the letter below:
PRESIDENT Donald J Trump @realDonaldTrump LAUDS PRESIDENT
Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT’S
DECISIVE LEADERSHIP AGAINST TERRORISTS IN NIGERIA, PENS A PERSONAL LETTER
Dear Mr President,
“Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people.
I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities and 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.
“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat.
“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack. I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency.”
Sincerely,
Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America
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