Rapper Nicki Minaj made an sudden look at a Turning Level USA convention on Sunday, drawing widespread consideration after publicly praising President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance throughout an onstage dialog. Her remarks on the conservative gathering rapidly reignited debate about her political beliefs, with many asking a well-known query: Is Nicki Minaj a Trump supporter?
The looks marked a notable second in Minaj’s public life. Given her previous criticism of Trump, her presence at Turning Level USA, and her phrases of admiration, signaled a shift that added to a rising sample of statements aligning her with conservative political figures.
The shock unfolded at Turning Level USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, the place Minaj joined Erika Kirk, the group’s chief govt officer and the widow of its founder, Charlie Kirk. For a lot of observers, Minaj’s look at a right-wing youth convention carefully related to Trump-era politics stood in distinction to the historically liberal political positioning of mainstream hip-hop artists.
Shock Entrance at Turning Level USA’s AmericaFest
Nicki Minaj makes an look at Turning Level USA America Fest with Erika Kirk. pic.twitter.com/E9mVyPT6Cb
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 21, 2025
Nicki Minaj entered the AmericaFest stage to loud applause as her tune “Tremendous Bass” performed all through the venue. Holding palms with Erika Kirk, she walked out as fireworks lit the stage, signaling her arrival to a packed viewers. Kirk welcomed Minaj warmly, calling her “an incredible lady,” earlier than the 2 embraced and started a reside question-and-answer session.
Minaj thanked the organizers and attendees, saying she was “honored to be right here.” As a result of her look had not been introduced prematurely, it rapidly grew to become some of the talked-about moments of the convention. Inside minutes, clips circulated on-line, prompting renewed hypothesis about whether or not her participation mirrored a broader political realignment.
Public Reward for Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance
.@NICKIMINAJ: “I’ve the utmost respect and admiration for our President. I don’t know if he even is aware of this, however he has given so many individuals HOPE that there’s an opportunity to beat the unhealthy guys and to WIN… This Admin is stuffed with individuals with coronary heart and soul, they usually make me PROUD.” pic.twitter.com/ZvF9hE4VcV
— Fast Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 21, 2025
In the course of the onstage dialog, Minaj supplied direct reward for President Trump, describing him as a supply of inspiration. “I’ve the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” she mentioned. “He has given so many individuals hope that there’s an opportunity to beat the unhealthy guys and to win, and to do it along with your head held excessive and your integrity intact.”
She additionally spoke favorably of Vice President J.D. Vance, describing each leaders as relatable figures. “Once I hear them converse, I do know that they’re one among us,” Minaj mentioned, including that she believes they continue to be linked to on a regular basis Individuals. Her remarks have been met with enthusiastic applause from the viewers.
Taken collectively, the feedback represented one among Minaj’s most specific public endorsements of Trump so far, additional fueling the query: Is Nicki Minaj a Trump supporter?
Addressing Previous Criticism and Altering Views
Up to now, Nicki Minaj had criticized Trump throughout his first time period. In 2018, she described his immigration insurance policies as “so scary,” echoing issues broadly shared by artists and activists on the time. On Sunday, she addressed that distinction immediately.
“It’s okay to alter your thoughts,” Minaj advised the group. Whereas she didn’t define particular causes for her shift, she framed her present stance as the results of reflection. That acknowledgment added context to her look, suggesting that her assist was intentional somewhat than symbolic. Since then, debate has continued over whether or not Minaj’s evolving political stance displays private perception or a broader cultural shift in celeb politics.
Criticism of Gavin Newsom and Tradition-Warfare Points
Nicki Minaj: “For younger males, don’t be Newscum (Gavin Newsom) .. Expensive younger males, you’ve gotten superb function fashions like our good-looking, dashing president…” pic.twitter.com/vbkGpIfe5e
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 21, 2025
A good portion of the dialogue centered on Minaj’s latest criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Kirk invited Minaj to learn aloud a number of of her tweets concentrating on the Democratic governor, whom Minaj has accused of prioritizing transgender insurance policies over youngsters’s well-being.
In a single tweet learn onstage, Minaj criticized Newsom for publicly supporting transgender youngsters. “Regular adults get up and assume they need to see wholesome, protected, blissful youngsters,” she mentioned, prompting cheers from the viewers. She additionally mocked the governor utilizing derogatory nicknames, echoing rhetoric generally utilized by Trump.
Newsom has beforehand defended his file, stating that he helps LGBTQ communities whereas acknowledging ongoing debates round youth sports activities and coverage. His workplace has not responded on to Minaj’s remarks.
Religion-Primarily based Messaging at Turning Level
Past partisan politics, Nicki Minaj praised Turning Level USA for what she described as its emphasis on religion and ethical values. She advised attendees that Christian beliefs have been marginalized in mainstream tradition and claimed that Christians face persecution in the US.
“There was a scarcity of that in our media,” Minaj mentioned, referring to spiritual illustration. Her feedback aligned carefully with long-standing conservative speaking factors ceaselessly promoted at Turning Level occasions and by Trump allies.
Minaj has beforehand drawn consideration for echoing similar claims in international contexts, a few of which have been disputed by overseas governments.
Awkward Second and Public Response
🚨HUGE BLUNDER: Nicki Minaj simply referred to JD Vance as an “murderer” whereas chatting with Erika Kirk. Watch her utterly squirm when she realizes what she mentioned.
A completely large fuckup caught reside: pic.twitter.com/FGJO6xCo0Z
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) December 21, 2025
The looks included a quick awkward second when Minaj mistakenly referred to Vice President Vance as an “murderer” whereas making an attempt to explain him as a task mannequin. She rapidly appeared embarrassed, masking her mouth as the group laughed. Erika Kirk reassured her, encouraging her to proceed.
Shortly after the occasion, the White Home shared a clip of Minaj praising Trump. Minaj later reposted the video on her personal social media accounts with affectionate commentary, amplifying the second’s attain.
A Excessive-Profile Crossover Between Music and Politics
Nicki Minaj’s look at Turning Level USA’s AmericaFest represents a uncommon crossover between mainstream hip-hop and conservative political areas. Whereas it stays unclear whether or not her reward of Trump alerts a long-term political alignment, the remarks marked a transparent and public endorsement that resonated nicely past the convention corridor.
As reactions proceed to unfold, Minaj’s resolution to take the Turning Level stage has ensured that questions surrounding her political stance will stay a part of the broader cultural and political dialog.
Watch the total dialogue…
Featured picture: Angela Weiss/Getty Pictures
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