On Sunday, Nicki Minaj surprised attendees at a conservative gathering in Arizona that was memorializing late activist Charlie Kirk by praising President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, calling them “role models” for young men.
Appearance at AmericaFest
The rapper was interviewed at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention by Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk. The interview focused on Minaj’s newly found support for Trump-someone she had condemned in the past-and her actions denouncing violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Praise for Trump and Vance
During the event, 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,” adding, “Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.” She also called Trump and Vance “role models” for young men. Vance has not said whether he will run for president, and Erika Kirk took over as leader of Turning Point.
Controversial Remarks
Minaj mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, referring to him as “New-scum,” a nickname Trump had used for him. The rapper also described Vance as an “assassin” in an attempt to praise his political skills. She paused, seemingly regretting the choice, and after Erika Kirk appeared to wipe a tear from one of her eyes, Minaj put her hand over her mouth while the crowd murmured.
Reaction from Erika Kirk
“If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman,” said Erika Kirk, who became a widow when Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September.
Minaj’s Recent Statements on Nigeria
Last month, the rapper shared a message posted by Trump on his Truth Social network about potential actions to sanction Nigeria, saying the government is failing to rein in the persecution of Christians in the West African country. “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God,” Minaj shared on X. She was then invited to speak at a panel at the U.S. mission to the United Nations along with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and faith leaders.
Past Political Statements
In 2018, Minaj 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. Back then, she shared her own story of arriving in the country at 5 years old, describing herself as an “illegal immigrant.” She posted, “This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now?” on Instagram.
Additional Comments
Minaj said she was tired of being “pushed around,” and that speaking your mind with different ideas is controversial because “people are no longer using their minds.” Kirk thanked Minaj for being “courageous,” despite the backlash she is receiving from the entertainment industry for expressing support for Trump. “I didn’t notice,” Minaj said. “We don’t even think about them.” Kirk then said, “We don’t have time to. We’re too busy building, right?”
“We’re the cool kids,” Minaj said.
On Sunday, on stage with Erika Kirk, Minaj said, “it’s OK to change your mind.”
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, gave remarks Friday, two days after her husband’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. “My husband’s mission will not end.”
The Artist’s Credentials
The Trinidadian-born rapper is best known for hits “Super Freaky Girl,” “Anaconda” and “Starships.” She has been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards over the course of her career.
Key Takeaways
- Nicki Minaj publicly praised President Trump and Vice President Vance at a conservative rally in Arizona.
- The rapper’s remarks included a controversial description of Vance as an “assassin” and a nickname for Gov. Gavin Newsom.
- Minaj has a history of political commentary, including a 2018 condemnation of Trump’s immigration policy and recent support for Trump’s stance on Nigeria.
The event highlighted Minaj’s shifting political stance and her willingness to speak openly about her views, even amid criticism from the entertainment community.
