On December 21, 2025, rapper Nicki Minaj made a stunning surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention in Phoenix, Arizona, where she openly praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The event, attended by thousands of young conservatives, was the organization’s flagship gathering and carried extra emotional weight as it memorialized the late Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated in September 2025.
Minaj, interviewed onstage by Erika Kirk—Charlie Kirk’s widow and the new CEO of Turning Point USA—shared her evolving views on politics, faith, and current events. The Trinidad-born artist, famous for chart-topping hits like “Anaconda,” “Starships,” and “Super Freaky Girl,” has earned 12 Grammy nominations throughout her career. But on this day, she stepped into the spotlight not for music, but for her outspoken support of the MAGA movement.
The conversation began with warmth and mutual admiration. Minaj and Erika Kirk walked out hand-in-hand, drawing cheers from the crowd. Kirk introduced Minaj as a special guest, continuing a tradition her late husband had of surprising attendees with high-profile appearances. Minaj expressed gratitude for the invitation, saying she felt “honored” to be there amid the organization’s period of grief.
Minaj didn’t hold back in her praise for the Trump administration. “This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them,” she said. “I love both of them [Trump and Vance]. They’re both powerful men—smart, strong, all of that. But both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.” She described Trump as “handsome” and “dashing,” positioning him and Vance as strong role models for young men in America.
One particularly awkward moment came when Minaj, intending to compliment Vance’s sharp political instincts, called him an “assassin.” The word hung in the air, given the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Minaj quickly paused, covering her mouth in regret, as the audience murmured. Erika Kirk, visibly emotional but supportive, stepped in: “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman.” She reassured Minaj that she had heard far worse in the aftermath of her husband’s death. The crowd rallied behind them, and the interview continued on a positive note.
Minaj also took aim at Democratic figures, mocking California Governor Gavin Newsom by repeating Trump’s nickname for him: “New-scum.” She read aloud some of her past social media posts criticizing Newsom, drawing laughs from the audience and Kirk alike.
A significant part of the discussion focused on faith and global issues. Minaj highlighted her concern for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, sharing how Trump’s post on Truth Social about potential sanctions against the Nigerian government deeply moved her. “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God,” she posted on X last month. This stance led to her speaking at a U.N. panel alongside faith leaders and U.S. officials.
Reflecting on her political evolution, Minaj addressed past criticisms of Trump. In 2018, she condemned his zero-tolerance immigration policy that separated families at the border, sharing her own story as a young immigrant who arrived in the U.S. at age 5 and once called herself an “illegal immigrant.” Now, she emphasized personal growth: “It’s OK to change your mind.” She argued that expressing differing opinions has become too controversial because “people are no longer using their minds.”
Kirk praised Minaj’s courage in facing backlash from the entertainment industry. Minaj shrugged it off: “I didn’t notice. We don’t even think about them… We’re too busy building.” The two women ended triumphantly, with Minaj declaring, “We’re the cool kids.”
Minaj’s appearance solidified her shift toward conservative alignment, surprising many given her previous stances. Days later, amid reported backlash, she deactivated her Instagram account. Vice President Vance later praised her comments on unity and beauty across ethnicities as “profound.”
This moment at AmericaFest highlighted how celebrity voices can bridge entertainment and politics, especially among younger audiences. In a polarized climate, Minaj’s endorsement added a high-profile boost to the conservative movement while showcasing the personal resilience of Erika Kirk in carrying forward her husband’s legacy.