NEWS | Wole Soyinka Voices Concern Over U.S. Political Climate Under Trump Administration

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has expressed profound concern over recent political developments in the United States, particularly during the presidency of Donald Trump. In an interview with journalist Laura Collins-Hughes, published by The New York Times, Soyinka remarked, “I just feel very, very sad that what’s happening in the States should be happening in such a potentially progressive country.”

Soyinka’s critique aligns with his long-held reservations about American politics. In 2016, he famously vowed to destroy his U.S. green card if Trump won the presidential election—a promise he later fulfilled.

Addressing concerns about personal safety in today’s charged political environment, Soyinka appeared unfazed. “Oh, I’ve lived in a constant state of nonsafety. So I’m used to that,” he said. “If I’m walking through the street and they pick me up, I have no problem whatsoever. You know, my laptop is where it is. It’s up in the clouds.”

This is far from the first time Soyinka has spoken out against troubling political trends worldwide. In 2007, he called for the annulment of Nigeria’s presidential elections due to pervasive fraud and violence. He has also been critical of the British government’s approach to religious proselytization, warning that it has created space for extremist exploitation.

Soyinka’s recent remarks reinforce his enduring commitment to democratic principles, civil liberties, and global human rights.