Nicki Minaj says Trump, Vance are ‘role models’ for young men at Turning Point USA event

Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at a conservative rally in Arizona on Sunday to honor late activist Charlie Kirk and used her time on stage to praise US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, calling them “role models” for young people.

The rap star was interviewed at the AmericaFest convention at Turning Point USA by Erica Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, about her newfound support for Trump – someone she has denounced in the past – and her actions condemning violence against Christians in Nigeria.

The Grammy-nominated rapper's recent affiliation with the Make America Great Again movement has generated some interest due to her past criticism of Trump, even as the artist's own political ideology has been difficult to pin down. But her appearance on Sunday at the main event of an influential conservative youth organization could cement her status as a MAGA follower.

Minaj mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling him “the new trash,” a nickname Trump gave him. Newsom, a Democrat, has his sights set on 2028. Minaj expressed admiration for Trump and Vance, who received an endorsement from Erica Kirk even though he hasn't said whether he'll run for president.

“This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud. Our vice president makes me… well, I love them both,” Minaj said. “They both have this very strange ability to be someone you're close to.”

There was an awkward moment in Minaj's appearance when, in an attempt to praise Vance's political skills, she called him a “killer.”

She paused, seemingly regretting her choice of word, and after Kirk appeared to wipe a tear from one of her eyes, the artist covered her mouth with her hand as the crowd whispered.

“If the Internet wants to cut it, who cares? I love this woman,” said Kirk, who took office after her husband Charlie Kirk, then the leader of Turning Point USA, was killed in September.

Last month, Minaj shared a message Trump posted on his social media site Pravda about possible moves to impose sanctions on Nigeria, saying the government was failing to curb persecution of Christians in the West African country. Experts and locals say the violence that has long plagued Nigeria is not easy to explain.

“After reading this, I felt deep gratitude. We live in a country where we can worship God freely,” Minaj said on X. She was then invited to speak on a panel at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations along with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and religious leaders.

Minaj said she was tired of being “pushed around” and said it was controversial to speak her mind with different ideas because “people don't use their minds anymore.” Kirk thanked Minaj for her “courage” despite the backlash she is receiving from the entertainment industry for expressing support for Trump.

“I didn't notice,” Minaj said. “We don’t even think about them.” Kirk then said, “We don’t have time for this. We're too busy building, right?”

“We’re cool guys,” Minaj said.

The Trinidadian rapper is best known for his hit songs. Super Freaky Girl, Anaconda And Starships. She has been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards throughout her career.

In 2018, Minaj was one of several celebrities to condemn Trump's zero-tolerance immigration policies, which separated more than 5,000 children from their families at the US-Mexico border. She then shared her own story of arriving in the country at age five, calling herself an “illegal immigrant.”

“It scares me so much. Please stop this. Can you imagine the horror and panic these children are experiencing right now?” she posted on Instagram at the time.

On stage with Erica Kirk on Sunday, Minaj said, “It's okay to change your mind.”