Nicki Minaj Thanks Trump, Says ‘Faith Is Under Attack’ in U.N. Speech About Religious Violence in Nigeria

Nicki Minaj delivered an emotional address on religious persecution in Nigeria during an event at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Speaking at the U.N. alongside officials and guests, the “Barbie World” rapper focused her remarks on President Donald Trump’s call to confront attacks on Christians in Nigeria. The event was moderated by Fox News’ Harris Faulkner.

Minaj, 42, opened by thanking Trump “for prioritizing this issue and his leadership on the global stage in calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria and to combat extremism and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to express their natural right to freedom of religion or belief.”

“Music has taken me around the globe. I have seen how people, no matter their language, culture or religion, come alive when they hear a song that touches their soul,” she said. “Religious freedom means we all can sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we believe. But today, faith is under attack in way too many places.”

She went on to highlight reports from Nigeria, where “Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray.”

Throughout her speech, Minaj stressed that her appearance at the U.N. was “not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity.”

“It’s about what I’ve always stood for my entire career, and I will continue to stand for that for the rest of my life,” she concluded.

In the lead-up to the event, Ambassador Michael Waltz praised Minaj on X after her appearance was announced on Sunday, Nov. 16, writing, “.@NICKIMINAJ is not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.”

He added that he was grateful she was using her global influence “to spotlight the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria,” and said he looked forward to joining her to discuss steps the President and his administration are taking “to end the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters.”

Minaj responded in a quote tweet the same day, writing, “Ambassador, I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know.”

She continued, “The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose.”

Her appearance at the U.N. followed Trump’s recent comments that he is preparing for potential military action in Nigeria, where he has warned of an “existential threat” to Christianity, according to the Associated Press.

However, residents and experts have said that while Christians have been targeted in some attacks, many of the victims are Muslims, the outlet reported.

In November 2024, gunmen on motorcycles opened fire indiscriminately and kidnapped at least 62 people, including a pastor and children, in Ligari, Nigeria, per the Associated Press.

Hostages later recounted being held for about a month while other villagers sold farmland, livestock and motorcycles to raise ransom money, according to the outlet. Four villagers who were eventually released told the Associated Press that they were starved, pressured to renounce Christianity and saw two fellow captives killed during their ordeal.

The violence has continued. On Monday, Nov. 17, the Associated Press reported that 25 schoolgirls were abducted and at least one boarding school employee was killed in Kebbi, Nigeria.

According to the AP, Trump has previously designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and directed defense officials to begin preparations for possible military action.

As of Monday, Nov. 17, the State Department told the Associated Press that the United States “stands ready, willing, and able to act” in Nigeria.