Trump’s Ex-Adviser Urges Africa to Reject ‘Debt-Trap Diplomacy’ Deals

Former senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, Jason Miller, has issued a strong warning to African nations, urging them to reject “debt-laden deals disguised as development assistance,” which he described as exploitative and unsustainable. Miller made the call during his keynote address at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Miller advocated for a fundamental shift away from dependency towards strategic partnerships that offer tangible and measurable value to the African continent. He cautioned that if the continent fails to make deliberate and strategic economic choices, it risks falling victim to external manipulation once more.

“This is Africa’s century. But if these opportunities aren’t seized strategically, Africa risks being taken advantage of again,” Miller stated, emphasizing the continent’s immense potential. He argued that America’s trade outlook, particularly under a potential future Trump administration, prioritizes mutually beneficial agreements underpinned by private capital, contrasting this with what he termed “debt traps, military occupations, or hollow rhetoric.”

The former White House aide insisted that the era of accepting aid without accountability must conclude. He challenged African nations to demand genuine investments that foster long-term infrastructure growth across critical sectors such as energy, transportation, and technology. “Africa must demand tangible value over empty deals, avoiding unsustainable debt disguised as aid,” he asserted.

While not explicitly naming countries, Miller’s remarks drew a clear distinction between America’s approach and that of partners who offer credit without commensurate responsibility, implicitly referencing China’s lending practices. He warned against the potential environmental and financial consequences of aligning with such partners.

Miller also highlighted the United States’ commitment to supporting reforms that encourage transparency, contract enforcement, and economic stability, deeming these prerequisites for attracting large-scale institutional investment from Western nations. He cited Nigeria’s recent monetary reforms as an encouraging example for other African countries seeking to improve their business environments.

He advised African leaders approaching the U.S. to do so with clear objectives and “bankable proposals” rather than merely seeking symbolic diplomacy, underscoring a transactional and results-oriented approach to international partnerships.