Quick Read
- Nicki Minaj publicly praised President Trump and Vice President JD Vance at AmericaFest 2025.
- Her appearance marked a shift from previous criticism of Trump to open support for the MAGA movement.
- Minaj cited personal parallels and advocacy for religious freedom as reasons for her support.
- She faced backlash from the entertainment industry but vowed not to back down from her beliefs.
- Erika Kirk, now leading Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk’s death, welcomed Minaj as a courageous ally.
It’s not every day that a global superstar like Nicki Minaj walks onto a stage filled with conservative activists and tells them, “I love both of them”—referring, unmistakably, to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Yet, at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, December 2025, that’s exactly what happened. The crowd, a sea of young conservatives, was electrified as Minaj appeared hand-in-hand with Erika Kirk, widow of the late activist Charlie Kirk, and the new face of Turning Point. As Minaj’s hit “Super Bass” thumped through the speakers, the rapper greeted attendees with heart signs and a salute, setting the tone for a night that would ripple far beyond the conference’s walls.
Nicki Minaj’s Surprising Praise for Trump and Vance
For years, Nicki Minaj was seen as a pop culture provocateur whose political allegiances were difficult to pin down. She had previously criticized Trump’s administration, notably over immigration policies, and supported Democrats like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. But in recent months, Minaj’s tone shifted online, culminating in this public endorsement at AmericaFest. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” Minaj declared from the stage, her words echoing through the hall. She praised Trump and Vance as “smart, strong” leaders with heart and soul, adding, “They make me proud of them.”
Minaj went further, drawing personal parallels with Trump—both hail from Queens, New York—and lauding their relatability. “They haven’t lost touch of the world,” she explained. “They’re still connected to what’s happening.” Her remarks, a potent blend of admiration and identification, resonated with an audience eager for validation from a pop icon. The rapper’s willingness to align herself with the MAGA movement marked a striking departure from her previous public positions.
Political Courage or Calculated Risk?
Minaj’s appearance didn’t come without controversy. She acknowledged the backlash she’s faced from peers in the entertainment industry and on social media. “I just got tired of being pushed around,” she confessed to Erika Kirk during their Q&A session. “When you’ve had enough, you realize, ‘Wait a minute, why do I even care about these people and what they think?’ So I’m not going to back down ever again.” Her defiance was palpable—a message to critics that she’d found her voice, and she wouldn’t silence it for anyone.
The event itself was emotionally charged. Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September had left a scar on the conservative movement, and Erika Kirk’s leadership was still fresh. When Minaj referred to Vance as an “assassin,” she quickly backtracked, sensitive to the circumstances of Charlie Kirk’s death. Erika Kirk responded with grace and humor, “You have to laugh about it, truly. God is so good, you let it roll right off your back.” The exchange highlighted the complexity of Minaj’s position—an outsider welcomed in, yet still learning the nuances of her new political allies.
Faith, Advocacy, and Shifting Alliances
Minaj’s support for Trump and Vance wasn’t limited to the stage. She’s recently collaborated with Trump’s U.N. ambassador, Mike Waltz, raising awareness about anti-Christian violence in Nigeria. “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God,” Minaj wrote on X (formerly Twitter), underscoring her commitment to religious freedom. Her advocacy has earned her invitations to speak at high-profile panels, further cementing her status as a conservative ally.
Yet, Minaj hasn’t shied away from expressing criticism, either. She’s publicly condemned California Governor Gavin Newsom over his support for transgender children, using social media as her platform. Her willingness to wade into divisive issues—sometimes at odds with her own fanbase—speaks to a growing confidence in her beliefs, regardless of public reaction.
From Grammy Nominee to Conservative Influencer
The journey from Grammy-nominated rapper to political influencer is not one Minaj takes lightly. She’s been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards and is known worldwide for hits like “Anaconda” and “Super Freaky Girl.” But at AmericaFest, the conversation was less about music and more about identity, freedom, and the right to think out loud. “We’re not allowed to have a different opinion anymore,” she lamented. “This is not what the world used to feel like.”
Her words struck a chord in a polarized America, where the cost of dissent can be high. By standing firm in her support for Trump and Vance, Minaj has positioned herself as a symbol of resistance—not just to political orthodoxy, but to the pressure celebrities face to conform. Erika Kirk summed up the sentiment: “Thank you for being courageous.”
The White House, quick to seize the moment, shared a clip from the event with the caption, “Makes us feel proud to be an American 🔥.” Whether this endorsement will sway fans or further polarize audiences remains to be seen, but the impact of Minaj’s words is already being felt in both political and entertainment circles.
Nicki Minaj’s shift from outspoken critic to MAGA supporter is a potent reminder of the fluidity of political identity, especially in an era where celebrity voices carry outsized influence. Her willingness to challenge expectations—risking backlash and embracing new allies—raises questions about the boundaries of personal conviction and public persona. In 2025’s fractured landscape, Minaj’s story is not just about politics, but about the courage to change one’s mind, even under the brightest spotlight.
Sources: USA TODAY, AP News, Fox News, CNN