On Sunday, rapper Nicki Minaj surprised a gathering of Arizona conservatives by stepping onto the stage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, a memorial event for the late activist Charlie Kirk. The performance came at a time when the singer’s political stance has been in flux, and her appearance was met with cheers from a crowd eager to hear her take on the current administration.
The event, organized by Turning Point USA, was a tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September. Erika Kirk, the activist’s widow, led the ceremony and later conducted an interview with Minaj. The setting was a large hall in Arizona, filled with young conservatives who had followed the organization’s message for years. Minaj’s presence added a high-profile spotlight to the gathering.
During her set, Minaj praised President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, calling them “role models” for young men. She described the administration as full of people with heart and soul, adding that she was proud of them. “Our vice president, he makes me … well, I love both of them,” Minaj said. “Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.”
Following the performance, Erika Kirk sat down with Minaj to discuss her newfound support for Trump, a figure she had previously criticized. Kirk, who now leads Turning Point, asked the singer about her recent condemnation of violence against Christians in Nigeria. Minaj explained that she had shared a message posted by Trump on Truth Social about potential sanctions on Nigeria, citing the government’s failure to curb persecution.
Minaj’s shift is notable because in 2018 she publicly condemned Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy, which separated more than 5,000 children from their families at the Mexico border. She had described herself as an “illegal immigrant” after arriving in the United States at age five. Those statements were widely circulated on Instagram and sparked national debate.
During the concert, Minaj also mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, referring to him as “New-scum,” a nickname Trump had given him. The remark was met with laughter from the audience, who were keen to see the rapper take a stand against the Democratic governor. The comment further underscored Minaj’s willingness to align herself with conservative rhetoric.
An awkward moment unfolded when Minaj attempted to praise Vance’s political skills and described him as an “Assassin.” She paused, appeared to regret the word choice, and after Kirk wiped a tear from one of her eyes, Minaj covered her mouth while the crowd murmured. “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman,” Kirk said, deflecting potential backlash.
Minaj was also invited to speak at a panel hosted by the U.S. mission to the United Nations, where she joined Ambassador Mike Waltz and faith leaders. The panel discussed religious freedom and the situation in Nigeria. Minaj expressed gratitude for the ability to worship freely in the United States, a sentiment she shared on X after the Trump message about Nigeria.
She has been vocal about her fatigue with being “pushed around,” stating that speaking one’s mind with different ideas is controversial because “people are no longer using their minds.” Kirk thanked Minaj for being “courageous,” acknowledging the backlash she faces from the entertainment industry for her support of Trump. Minaj also said, “It’s OK to change your mind,” reflecting her evolving political views.
Minaj’s appearance at AmericaFest may reinforce her status as a MAGA acolyte, especially given her past criticism of Trump and her recent alignment with the Make America Great Again movement. The event highlighted her willingness to engage with conservative audiences, while her remarks on Nigeria and her past statements illustrate a complex political journey. The singer’s high-profile performance and subsequent interview have sparked renewed conversation about her role in the current political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Nicki Minaj praised Trump and Vice President Vance as “role models” during her Sunday performance at Arizona’s AmericaFest.
- The singer’s interview with Erika Kirk highlighted her support for Trump’s stance on Nigeria and her past criticism of the 2018 immigration policy.
- Minaj’s remarks on Governor Newsom, her awkward use of “Assassin,” and her invitation to a UN panel illustrate her evolving political stance.
The event has reignited discussions about the intersection of celebrity influence and political activism.
