Hip Hop/ Rap
Nicki Minaj Praises Trump and Vance in Surprise Appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest
The event also featured a brief moment of controversy when Nicki Minaj accidentally referred to Vice President Vance as an “assassin” while praising him as a role model. This apparent verbal slip drew nervous laughter from the audience. Erika Kirk quickly reassured Nicki Minaj, telling her, “You say what you want to say, because I know your heart.”
Nicki Minaj made headlines this weekend with an unexpected appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, where she openly praised President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance while aligning herself with conservative political rhetoric. The rapper joined Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA and widow of the organisation’s founder, Charlie Kirk, for an onstage Q&A that quickly became one of the event’s most talked-about moments.
Entering to her hit “Super Bass,” Nicki Minaj embraced Erika Kirk before launching into a conversation that blended pop culture, politics, and pointed criticism of Democratic leaders.
“They’re One of Us”: Nicki Minaj on Trump and Vance
During the discussion, Minaj expressed admiration for Donald Trump and JD Vance, calling them relatable and grounded. “I love both of them,” she said, adding that they represent leaders who have not “lost touch of the world.” According to Nicki Minaj, Trump’s leadership has given people “hope that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys and to win… with your integrity intact.”
She described both Trump and Vance as leaders who feel authentic across generational and economic lines, saying, “They’re one of us,” a comment that drew loud applause from the AmericaFest crowd.
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Sharp Criticism of Gavin Newsom
A significant portion of Minaj’s appearance focused on her recent social media attacks against California Governor Gavin Newsom, a likely contender in the 2028 presidential race. At Erika Kirk’s prompting, Nicki Minaj read aloud several of her tweets criticizing Gavin Newsom’s support for transgender children and broader progressive policies.
Referring to Gavin Newsom with the derogatory nickname “Newscum,” Nicki Minaj warned him to “tread lightly,” intensifying the political tone of the session. Her remarks stand in contrast to Newsom’s public statements affirming support for the LGBTQ+ community while advocating nuanced policies around transgender participation in sports.
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Awkward Moment—and a Swift Recovery
The event also featured a brief moment of controversy when Nicki Minaj accidentally referred to Vice President Vance as an “assassin” while praising him as a role model. This apparent verbal slip drew nervous laughter from the audience. Erika Kirk quickly reassured Nicki Minaj, telling her, “You say what you want to say, because I know your heart.”
Minaj thanked Kirk and continued the conversation, later reposting a White House video clip of her remarks with a message expressing affection and approval.
Pop Culture Meets Partisan Politics
Nicki Minaj’s appearance underscores a growing trend of celebrity engagement in conservative political spaces, particularly within youth-focused movements like Turning Point USA. While the rapper has long courted controversy online, her embrace of Trump-era politics marks a notable shift that could further polarise fans—and energise supporters.
As music, politics, and identity increasingly intersect, Nicki Minaj’s AmericaFest appearance may signal a new chapter in celebrity-driven political discourse.
