Nicki Minaj Praises Trump and Vance on Stage at Turning Point

At Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona, Grammy-nominated rapper Nicki Minaj made an unexpected on-stage appearance on December 21, 2025, joining Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, for a conversation that quickly drew national attention. Minaj publicly praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them “role models” and expressing deep admiration for their leadership.

In remarks that were captured and shared online, Minaj said she had “the utmost respect and admiration” for Trump and suggested that his resilience and public persona — including enduring criticism — gave people “hope” and strength. She described her connection to their leadership by highlighting shared experiences and the ability of the pair to remain connected to everyday Americans.

Evolving Political Views and Public Reaction

Minaj’s appearance marked a notable turn in her public political engagement. The rapper — who has previously expressed criticism of Trump’s policies in past years — appeared to signal an alignment with conservative figures during her remarks. Her presence on the Turning Point USA stage and pointed praise of Trump and Vance drew widespread discussion across social media and news platforms.

She also delivered pointed critiques of California Governor Gavin Newsom, echoing comments she has made on her social media platforms. Additionally, Minaj used her platform at the event to call on young men to look up to leaders who demonstrate strength and integrity.

The reaction online was mixed — while some praised Minaj’s willingness to express her views openly, others questioned her political shift and debated what her endorsement means for fans and public discourse.

An Awkward Moment Onstage

During her talk, Minaj experienced a brief awkward moment when she described Vice President Vance with the term “assassin” — a slang expression meaning someone skilled at what they do — before covering her mouth and pausing. The remark came at a sensitive time, given that Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot earlier in 2025, leading to immediate attention from the audience and media. Erika Kirk swiftly offered reassurance and support to Minaj onstage, encouraging her to continue her remarks.

This moment — which received widespread coverage — added emotional complexity to the event, as it blended political support with a recent tragedy linked to the organization hosting the conference.

Broader Implications

Minaj’s appearance at AmericaFest represents a broader trend of performers and cultural figures stepping into explicitly political arenas, sometimes aligning with movements outside their traditional fan base. Her remarks about Trump and Vance — both central figures in conservative politics — underscore an evolving role for celebrities in public political expression, especially during a period of intensified political discourse ahead of future campaigns.

Whether this engagement shifts perceptions among her fans or influences broader cultural conversations remains an open question, but it undeniably placed Minaj at the center of national attention beyond her music career.

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