Nicki Minaj used a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix on Dec. 21 to voice enthusiastic support for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling the administration “relatable” and saying she feels connected to the way they speak.
The Trinidadian rapper said she was “honored” to take the stage on the fourth day of the conference — the organization’s first annual summit since the death of co-founder Charlie Kirk in September — and praised Trump for giving people “hope” and a sense that they can “beat the bad guys” without compromising their integrity.
“I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” Minaj told the crowd, adding that she wasn’t sure whether Trump was aware of her feelings.
Minaj also drew a personal parallel, noting that she and Trump are both from Queens, New York. She said Trump’s public resilience has resonated with her, describing him as someone who has endured intense scrutiny and criticism. She did not specify what she meant by “lies” being told about him.
A slip of the tongue draws a reaction from Erika Kirk
During her remarks, Minaj referred to Trump as “our handsome, dashing president” and then called Vance “assassin JD Vance, our vice president,” before appearing to catch herself mid-sentence.
The comment landed awkwardly given the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death. Minaj covered her mouth, seemingly realizing the wording could be interpreted as especially inappropriate.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, responded by urging humor and perspective.
“Trust me, there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard,” she said, adding that she tries to let harsh comments “roll right off” and that she cares more about the moment than internet clips.
“Smart, strong” and “one of us,” Minaj says
Minaj later told attendees she “loves both” Trump and Vance, describing them as “powerful,” “smart,” and “strong,” while emphasizing what she sees as their ability to stay grounded.
“When I hear them speak, I know that they’re one of us,” she said, adding that she believes they remain connected to “what’s happening in the world.”
She also said they make supporters “feel proud to be American.”
“I’m not going to back down” on politics
Minaj said she has grown tired of feeling pressured to stay quiet about her views and framed her decision to speak out as a personal turning point.
“I just got tired of being pushed around,” she said, adding that she plans to never “back down” again.
She also reflected on political division, saying she feels people are increasingly discouraged from sharing opinions openly.
In recent months, Minaj has posted complimentary comments about Trump on social media and has criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom in posts about transgender issues involving children. The article also noted she recently worked with Trump’s U.N. ambassador, Mike Waltz, to speak out about alleged anti-Christian violence; Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied that the country is “religiously intolerant.”
After the event, the White House shared a clip from Minaj’s sit-down with Erika Kirk and captioned it: “Makes us feel proud to be an American 🔥.”
