Nicki Minaj Praises Trump, Vance at Turning Point USA Event/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, praising Donald Trump and JD Vance as inspiring leaders. The rapper expressed newfound alignment with conservative values and voiced frustration with political conformity. Her appearance signals a growing crossover between entertainment and the MAGA movement.
Nicki Minaj at Turning Point Quick Looks
- Nicki Minaj appeared unannounced at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix.
- She praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance as role models for young men.
- Minaj called the current administration “full of heart and soul.”
- Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, interviewed Minaj on stage.
- Minaj once criticized Trump but said “it’s OK to change your mind.”
- She mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, using Trump’s nickname “New-scum.”
- An awkward moment arose when she referred to Vance as an “assassin.”
- Minaj denounced violence against Christians in Nigeria, backing U.S. pressure on the issue.
- She criticized the entertainment industry for silencing dissenting voices.
- Turning Point leaders hailed Minaj as “courageous” and “one of the cool kids.”
Deep Look
Nicki Minaj Surprises Conservatives With Praise for Trump and Vance at Turning Point USA Event
PHOENIX — Rap superstar Nicki Minaj stunned attendees at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention Sunday with an unexpected appearance—and a full-throated endorsement of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The Grammy-nominated artist joined conservative leader Erika Kirk on stage during the event, held in memory of Kirk’s late husband, Charlie Kirk. In a candid and at times emotional exchange, Minaj voiced her admiration for both Trump and Vance, saying they represented strength, relatability, and leadership.
“This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them,” Minaj said. “Our vice president, he makes me… well, I love both of them. Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.”
Minaj’s support for Trump marks a sharp turn from her previous views. In 2018, she publicly criticized Trump’s immigration policy, sharing her own story as an immigrant from Trinidad and condemning family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
On Sunday, Minaj addressed her political shift directly: “It’s OK to change your mind,” she told the crowd.
A Moment of Controversy
During the conversation, Minaj sparked a stir when she referred to Vance as an “assassin” in the context of political skill. The moment drew gasps and murmurs from the audience, prompting Minaj to cover her mouth. Erika Kirk, visibly emotional, responded with grace, saying, “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman.”
The crowd applauded, and Kirk continued the conversation without missing a beat. The light-hearted exchange underscored the emotional weight of the weekend, which honored the memory of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on a Utah college campus earlier this year.
Minaj Goes After Newsom, Entertainment Industry
Minaj also took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent Trump target and likely 2028 Democratic presidential candidate.
Echoing Trump’s nickname for him, she referred to Newsom as “New-scum.”
“Please tread lightly,” she said playfully. “That’s what I would say to Gabby-poo.”
The rapper didn’t stop there. She criticized the entertainment industry for suppressing differing views, arguing that independent thinking has become controversial.
“People are no longer using their minds,” she said. “I’m tired of being pushed around.”
Kirk praised Minaj’s courage, noting the professional risks involved in openly supporting Trump. When asked if she felt pressure from the entertainment industry, Minaj shrugged it off:
“I didn’t notice. We don’t even think about them.”
Kirk added, “We’re too busy building, right?” to which Minaj responded, “We’re the cool kids.”
Faith and Global Human Rights
Minaj’s recent activism has included advocating for persecuted Christians in Nigeria. She reposted a Truth Social message from Trump about holding the Nigerian government accountable for religious violence.
“Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude,” she wrote on social media. “We live in a country where we can freely worship God.”
The post led to an invitation to a U.S. Mission to the United Nations panel on religious freedom, where Minaj appeared alongside Ambassador Mike Waltz and faith leaders. At AmericaFest, she reiterated her commitment to faith and free expression.
A New MAGA Ally
Nicki Minaj’s presence at the flagship conservative youth convention signaled more than just a celebrity endorsement—it marked the crossover of cultural influence into the heart of the MAGA movement. Turning Point USA, known for its youthful base and grassroots power, welcomed Minaj’s unexpected support with enthusiasm.
As JD Vance garners attention as a potential 2028 presidential contender and the conservative movement wrestles with its future, Minaj’s voice may prove influential beyond music charts.
A one-time Trump critic turned vocal supporter, she offered a final reminder: “It’s OK to grow. It’s OK to evolve.”
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