‎FACT-CHECK: Did Trump Condemn Tinubu for Remaining in the UK After Maiduguri Bomb Attack?

‎FACT-CHECK: Did Trump Condemn Tinubu for Remaining in the UK After Maiduguri Bomb Attack?

‎Claim: A viral screenshot circulating on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp and other social media platforms claims that US President Donald Trump has condemned Nigeria’s President Tinubu for remaining in the UK after recent bomb attacks in Maiduguri, urging UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to send him home.

Background: the circulating claim portrays a screenshot purportedly from Trump’s Truth Social where he primarily disseminates his messages. According to the claim, Trump urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to “tell him to get on a plane and GO HOME IMMEDIATELY,” referring to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu who’s on a state visit to the United Kingdom.

‎The purported statement claims that Trump condemned Tinubu for remaining in the UK amid suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the situation in Nigeria as a “TOTAL DISASTER” and accusing the Nigerian government of weak leadership and poor border control.

The claim surfaced against the backdrop of renewed insecurity concerns in the North-East and previous remarks by Trump in which he referenced violence against Christians in Nigeria, comments that generated mixed reactions locally and internationally.

‎The viral post has since sparked heated debate online, with many users questioning its authenticity.

‎Verification: To ascertain the authenticity of the viral claim, PRNigeria’s fact-check team conducted a comprehensive digital investigation.

A reverse image search of the circulating screenshot revealed no credible source or original upload traceable to Trump’s verified platforms. The image appears to have first surfaced on social media between March 16 and 17, gaining traction through reposts on Facebook and X.

‎A review of Trump’s verified X account (@realDonaldTrump) and his official Truth Social page found no record of the alleged statement. Keyword searches of phrases contained in the viral post also yielded no matching results on his authenticated accounts.

‎Further checks across major international media organisations, including CNN and BBC News, showed no report attributing such remarks to Trump. Given the diplomatic implications of such a statement, particularly one involving the UK Prime Minister and the Nigerian President, it is highly unlikely that reputable global media would ignore it.

‎Additional findings indicate that the screenshot bears inconsistencies in formatting when compared to genuine posts from Trump’s Truth Social account. Independent digital analysis suggests the image was doctored.

‎Moreover, the Nigerian Presidency, through official communication channels, media aides, and reputable news source dismissed the claim as fabricated. No formal diplomatic protest, response, or acknowledgment was issued by either the U.S. or UK governments regarding the alleged remarks, further weakening the credibility of the claim.

‎PRNigeria’s review found that recent authentic statements by Trump referencing Prime Minister Starmer relate to other geopolitical matters and not to Nigeria or President Tinubu’s UK visit.

However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and personally oversee military operations in the theatre, in a decisive move aimed at stabilising the security situation and reinforcing on-ground command coordination.

The directive was reported in the National Dailies as announced by the President’s spokesperson, Sunday Dare on X. 

‎Conclusion: PRNigeria’s fact-check investigation found no evidence that Donald Trump made the alleged statement asking Keir Starmer to order Bola Tinubu to return to Nigeria over insecurity concerns.

‎The viral screenshot is doctored and does not originate from Trump’s verified accounts.

‎Verdict: False.

‎By PRNigeria