Rapper Nicki Minaj made an unexpected appearance at a Turning Point USA conference on Sunday, drawing widespread attention after publicly praising President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance during an onstage conversation. Her remarks at the conservative gathering quickly reignited debate about her political views, with many asking a familiar question: Is Nicki Minaj a Trump supporter?

The appearance marked a notable moment in Minaj’s public life. Given her past criticism of Trump, her presence at Turning Point USA, and her words of admiration, signaled a shift that added to a growing pattern of statements aligning her with conservative political figures.

The surprise unfolded at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, where Minaj joined Erika Kirk, the organization’s chief executive officer and the widow of its founder, Charlie Kirk. For many observers, Minaj’s appearance at a right-wing youth conference closely associated with Trump-era politics stood in contrast to the traditionally liberal political positioning of mainstream hip-hop artists.

Surprise Entrance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest

Nicki Minaj makes an appearance at Turning Point 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 song “Super Bass” played throughout the venue. Holding hands with Erika Kirk, she walked out as fireworks lit the stage, signaling her arrival to a packed audience. Kirk welcomed Minaj warmly, calling her “an amazing woman,” before the two embraced and began a live question-and-answer session.

Minaj thanked the organizers and attendees, saying she was “honored to be here.” Because her appearance had not been announced in advance, it quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the conference. Within minutes, clips circulated online, prompting renewed speculation about whether her participation reflected a broader political realignment.

Public Praise for Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance

.@NICKIMINAJ: “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our President. I don’t know if he even knows this, but he has given so many people HOPE that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys and to WIN… This Admin is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me PROUD.” pic.twitter.com/ZvF9hE4VcV

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 21, 2025

During the onstage conversation, Minaj offered direct praise for President Trump, describing him as a source of inspiration. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” she said. “He has 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.”

She also spoke favorably of Vice President J.D. Vance, describing both leaders as relatable figures. “When I hear them speak, I know that they’re one of us,” Minaj said, adding that she believes they remain connected to everyday Americans. Her remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Taken together, the comments represented one of Minaj’s most explicit public endorsements of Trump to date, further fueling the question: Is Nicki Minaj a Trump supporter? 

Addressing Past Criticism and Changing Views

In the past, Nicki Minaj had criticized Trump during his first term. In 2018, she described his immigration policies as “so scary,” echoing concerns widely shared by artists and activists at the time. On Sunday, she addressed that contrast directly.

“It’s okay to change your mind,” Minaj told the crowd. While she did not outline specific reasons for her shift, she framed her current stance as the result of reflection. That acknowledgment added context to her appearance, suggesting that her support was intentional rather than symbolic. Since then, debate has continued over whether Minaj’s evolving political stance reflects personal belief or a broader cultural shift in celebrity politics.

Criticism of Gavin Newsom and Culture-War Issues

Nicki Minaj: “For young men, don’t be Newscum (Gavin Newsom) .. Dear young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president…” pic.twitter.com/vbkGpIfe5e

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 21, 2025

A significant portion of the discussion centered on Minaj’s recent criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Kirk invited Minaj to read aloud several of her tweets targeting the Democratic governor, whom Minaj has accused of prioritizing transgender policies over children’s well-being.

In one tweet read onstage, Minaj criticized Newsom for publicly supporting transgender children. “Normal adults wake up and think they want to see healthy, safe, happy kids,” she said, prompting cheers from the audience. She also mocked the governor using derogatory nicknames, echoing rhetoric commonly used by Trump.

Newsom has previously defended his record, stating that he supports LGBTQ communities while acknowledging ongoing debates around youth sports and policy. His office has not responded directly to Minaj’s remarks.

Faith-Based Messaging at Turning Point

Beyond partisan politics, Nicki Minaj praised Turning Point USA for what she described as its emphasis on faith and moral values. She told attendees that Christian beliefs have been marginalized in mainstream culture and claimed that Christians face persecution in the United States.

“There has been a lack of that in our media,” Minaj said, referring to religious representation. Her comments aligned closely with long-standing conservative talking points frequently promoted at Turning Point events and by Trump allies.

Minaj has previously drawn attention for echoing similar claims in international contexts, some of which were disputed by foreign governments.

Awkward Moment and Public Reaction

🚨HUGE BLUNDER: Nicki Minaj just referred to JD Vance as an “assassin” while speaking to Erika Kirk. Watch her completely squirm when she realizes what she said.

An absolutely massive fuckup caught live: pic.twitter.com/FGJO6xCo0Z

— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) December 21, 2025

The appearance included a brief awkward moment when Minaj mistakenly referred to Vice President Vance as an “assassin” while attempting to describe him as a role model. She quickly appeared embarrassed, covering her mouth as the crowd laughed. Erika Kirk reassured her, encouraging her to continue.

Shortly after the event, the White House shared a clip of Minaj praising Trump. Minaj later reposted the video on her own social media accounts with affectionate commentary, amplifying the moment’s reach.

A High-Profile Crossover Between Music and Politics

Nicki Minaj’s appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest represents a rare crossover between mainstream hip-hop and conservative political spaces. While it remains unclear whether her praise of Trump signals a long-term political alignment, the remarks marked a clear and public endorsement that resonated well beyond the conference hall.

As reactions continue to unfold, Minaj’s decision to take the Turning Point stage has ensured that questions surrounding her political stance will remain part of the broader cultural and political conversation.

Watch the full discussion…

Featured image: Angela Weiss/Getty Images

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