At a Glance
- Nicki Minaj appears at Turning Point USA event, praising Trump and Vance.
- She calls them role models for young men and mocks Gov. Gavin Newsom.
- The rapper also comments on Nigerian Christian persecution, echoing Trump’s stance.
- Why it matters: The star’s shift toward MAGA signals a notable political pivot amid past criticism.
In a surprising turn, Nicki Minaj stepped onto the stage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona, where she praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance while criticizing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. The event, which memorialized late activist Charlie Kirk, also featured Minaj’s comments on Christian persecution in Nigeria, aligning her with Trump’s recent social media post.
A MAGA Moment
Minaj’s appearance at the flagship event for the conservative youth organization marked a stark departure from her earlier criticism of Trump, including her 2018 condemnation of the president’s zero-tolerance immigration policy. By calling Trump and Vance “role models” for young men, she signals a potential realignment with the Make-America-Great-Again movement.
- Nicki Minaj said:
> “This administration is 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.”
- Nicki Minaj added:
> “Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.”
- Erika Kirk stated:
> “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman.”
Controversial Moments and Nigerian Advocacy
During the event, Minaj described Vance as an “assassin,” a comment that caused a brief awkward pause. Later she apologized, covering her mouth as the crowd murmured. The rapper also shared a message from Trump about sanctions against Nigeria, praising the U.S. stance on protecting Christians.
Key Takeaways
- Minaj’s praise of Trump and Vance marks a notable political shift.
- Her comments on Nigerian persecution align her with Trump’s recent stance.
- The event highlighted tensions between her past criticism and current support.
The star’s unexpected appearance underscores a broader trend of celebrities engaging in political discourse, even as it sparks debate about the intersection of entertainment and policy.
