Nicki Minaj, the chart-topping rapper known for her bold persona and outspoken views, stunned both fans and critics on December 21, 2025, by making a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona. The event, which drew thousands of conservative activists and media attention, quickly became the talk of the internet as Minaj, long associated with pop culture and controversy, took the stage alongside Erika Kirk, widow of the late activist and TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
From the moment Minaj and Kirk arrived on stage—her hit song “Super Bass” blaring and pyrotechnics lighting up the arena—the atmosphere was electric. According to TNND, Minaj wasted no time expressing her “utmost respect and admiration” for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, both of whom she had previously criticized. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” Minaj declared. “I don’t know if he even knows this, but he’s given so many people hope that there's a chance to beat the bad guys and to win, and to do it with your head held high and your integrity intact.”
Minaj’s praise for Trump and Vance marked a significant shift in her public stance. She lauded their ability to “still connect and be real and make us feel proud to be American,” a sentiment that resonated with the conservative crowd but left many longtime fans scratching their heads. As reported by The Daily Dot, the rapper’s recent alignment with MAGA politics has fueled heated debate across social media, with some supporters embracing her new direction and others feeling alienated.
The interview, conducted by Erika Kirk, also touched on Minaj’s vocal opposition to violence against Christians in Nigeria. Last month, Minaj had amplified a message from Trump’s Truth Social account advocating for potential sanctions against the Nigerian government, which, according to Trump, had failed to curb the persecution of Christians. “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). Her advocacy led to an invitation to speak at a panel at the U.S. mission to the United Nations, where she joined U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and faith leaders. Waltz later praised Minaj on social media, stating he was “so PROUD to be the Barbz Ambassador!”
But it wasn’t all praise and unity on stage. The conversation veered into contentious territory when Minaj, referencing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s support for gender-affirming care for minors, used a derogatory nickname she often employs on social media. “Dear Newscum, we don't have a problem cleaning up the scum if we have to, please tread lightly. That's what I'd say to Gavie poo,” she quipped, drawing both laughter and raised eyebrows from the audience.
The most talked-about moment of the evening, however, came when Minaj attempted to compliment JD Vance’s political skills, describing him as an “assassin.” She paused, visibly regretting her choice of words, and put a hand over her mouth. Erika Kirk, unfazed, laughed off the comment. “Trust me, there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so we’re fine,” Kirk said. “You have to laugh about it, truly.” According to The Daily Dot, Kirk even predicted that the internet would “clip” the moment and spread it widely—an expectation that proved prescient, as social media erupted with reactions from across the political spectrum.
The backlash was swift and multifaceted. Conservatives accused Erika Kirk of seeking attention and profiting from her husband’s murder, while liberals and progressives criticized Minaj for defending her husband and brother, both of whom have been convicted of rape charges. The event also reignited the longstanding rivalry between Minaj’s fanbase, the Barbz, and Cardi B’s supporters, with memes and snarky posts flooding platforms like Bluesky and Twitter. One viral post read, “Nicki Minaj is Cardi B’s Wario,” capturing the chaotic energy of the online discourse.
Despite the controversy, Minaj appeared unfazed by the criticism. When Kirk thanked her for being “courageous” in expressing support for Trump, Minaj replied, “I didn’t notice. We don’t even think about them.” Kirk agreed, adding, “We don’t have time to. We’re too busy building, right?” Minaj responded with a laugh, “We’re the cool kids.”
JD Vance himself addressed the “assassin” comment with humor, joking, “I’ve had this little nagging voice in the back of my head wondering whether she thinks I look like the JD Vance meme. And it turns out, and I confirmed when she walked down the steps, Nicki Minaj actually knows what I really look like, and that is the best tribute that I could possibly imagine.” The lighthearted exchange did little to quell the storm online, but it showcased the unusual alliance forming between Minaj and conservative political figures.
Beyond the spectacle, Minaj’s appearance at AmericaFest highlighted deeper cultural and political rifts. Her willingness to break with Hollywood orthodoxy and embrace a controversial political stance has drawn both admiration and scorn. As TNND reported, Minaj lamented that “speaking your mind with different ideas is controversial because people are no longer using their minds.” She expressed fatigue at being “pushed around” and signaled her intent to continue speaking out, regardless of backlash from the entertainment industry or former fans.
Meanwhile, Erika Kirk’s handling of the event—and her response to Minaj’s “assassin” remark—sparked renewed debate about the role of public figures in shaping the political conversation. Kirk’s willingness to laugh off the potentially insensitive comment, especially given the violent circumstances of her husband’s death, drew both sympathy and criticism.
The spectacle at AmericaFest also underscored the growing intersection of celebrity culture and partisan politics. Minaj’s pivot toward conservative activism, her vocal support for Trump and Vance, and her willingness to engage on hot-button issues like religious freedom and gender-affirming care have made her a lightning rod for debate. For some, her actions represent a refreshing break from Hollywood’s perceived groupthink; for others, they amount to opportunism or betrayal.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Nicki Minaj has once again managed to place herself at the center of America’s culture wars, sparking conversations that reach far beyond the confines of a single event. Whether her new political alliances will endure—or whether her fanbase will follow her lead—remains to be seen. But for now, the rapper seems content to embrace her role as provocateur, undeterred by the firestorm she’s helped ignite.
