Nicki Minaj, the Trinidadian rapper known for hits like “Super Freaky Girl,” surprised attendees at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona, where she praised President Trump and Vice President Vance and spoke about her newfound support for the GOP.
The Surprise Appearance
Minaj’s appearance took place at the flagship event of the conservative youth organization, memorializing late activist Charlie Kirk. She took the stage to call Trump and Vance “role models” for young men and to describe the administration as “full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them.” “Our vice president, he makes me … well, I love both of them,” she said. “Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.”
Interview with Erika Kirk
The rapper was interviewed on stage by Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, who had recently taken over as leader of Turning Point. Kirk asked Minaj about her newly found support for Trump-someone she had condemned in the past-and about her actions denouncing violence against Christians in Nigeria. Minaj also mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom, calling him “New-scum,” a nickname Trump had used for the Democrat. She added that Newsom, a Democrat, has 2028 prospects.
During the interview, Minaj described Vice President Vance as an “assassin.” The comment was awkward; she paused, seemed to regret the word choice, and after Kirk wiped a tear from one of her eyes, the rapper put her hand over her mouth while the crowd murmured. “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman,” Kirk said.
Social-Media Post and UN Panel
Last month, Minaj shared a message posted by Trump on his Truth Social network about potential actions to sanction Nigeria for failing to stop the persecution of Christians. “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God,” she wrote on X. She was then invited to speak at a panel at the U.S. mission to the United Nations alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and faith leaders.
When speaking, Minaj said she was tired of being “pushed around,” and that speaking one’s mind with different ideas is controversial because “people are no longer using their minds.” Kirk thanked her for being “courageous,” despite the backlash she is receiving from the entertainment industry for expressing support for Trump.
Past Political Stances
Minaj’s recent alignment with the Make America Great Again movement has attracted attention because of her earlier criticism of Trump. In 2018 she was one of several celebrities condemning Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy that split more than 5,000 children from their families at the Mexico border. She shared her own story of arriving in the country at age five, describing herself as an “illegal immigrant,” and posted: “This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now?”
Key Takeaways
- Nicki Minaj praised Trump and Vance as role models at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona.
- She was interviewed by Erika Kirk, who highlighted her support for Trump and condemnation of violence in Nigeria.
- Minaj’s remarks included mocking Gov. Newsom, calling Vance an “assassin,” and a social-media post about Nigeria.
- She has a history of opposing Trump’s policies, including the 2018 zero-tolerance immigration stance.
- The event and her statements may solidify her status as a MAGA acolyte.
On Sunday, on stage with Erika Kirk, Minaj concluded with, “it’s OK to change your mind.” Erika Kirk, who became a widow after her husband’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University, added, “My husband’s mission will not end.” The rapper, best known for “Super Freaky Girl,” “Anaconda,” and “Starships,” has been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards over her career.
