Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at a conservative gathering in Arizona on Sunday, where she praised US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men.
Minaj appeared on stage at AmericaFest, an annual event organised by the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, which was held to honour the late activist Charlie Kirk. She was interviewed by Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, who now leads the organisation.
During the discussion, Minaj spoke about her recent support for Trump, despite having criticised him in the past. She also referred to her public comments condemning violence against Christians in Nigeria.
“This administration is full of people with heart and soul,” Minaj said. “Our vice president, he makes me… well, I love both of them.”
She added that Trump and Vance had an ability to connect with people, saying, “Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.”
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Minaj also mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom, using a nickname previously used by Trump. Newsom, a Democrat, is seen as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential race.
There was an awkward moment when Minaj described Vance as an “assassin” while trying to praise his political skills. She quickly paused after realising the choice of words, as the audience reacted quietly. Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September.
Erika Kirk played down the moment, saying, “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman.”
Last month, Minaj shared a post by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social that spoke about possible sanctions on Nigeria over the persecution of Christians. Experts say the violence in Nigeria is complex and cannot be explained by one cause.
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“Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude,” Minaj later wrote on X. “We live in a country where we can freely worship God.”
Didn’t have a clue. Carry on. https://t.co/k4D0d9ZXdt
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) December 21, 2025
Following that post, she was invited to speak at a panel at the US mission to the United Nations alongside Ambassador Mike Waltz and religious leaders.
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At the Arizona event, Minaj said she was tired of being “pushed around” and argued that expressing different views had become controversial. “People are no longer using their minds,” she said.
Erika Kirk thanked Minaj for what she called her courage, despite criticism from parts of the entertainment industry.
“I didn’t notice,” Minaj replied. “We don’t even think about them.” “We’re the cool kids,” she added.
Minaj, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, is known for hits including Anaconda, Starships and Super Freaky Girl. She has received 12 Grammy nominations.
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In 2018, Minaj was among several celebrities who criticised Trump’s immigration policy that separated thousands of children from their families at the US-Mexico border. At the time, she described herself as an “illegal immigrant” after arriving in the US at the age of five.
“This is so scary to me,” she wrote then. “Can you try to imagine the terror these kids feel right now?”
On Sunday, Minaj addressed her change in position, saying, “It’s OK to change your mind.”
