On Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest and publicly praised former President Donald Trump and J.D. Vance as examples for young men. Speaking in an onstage interview with Erika Kirk — who is now leading Turning Point after the September assassination of Charlie Kirk — Minaj expressed renewed support for Trump, criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom and urged attention to violence against Christians in Nigeria. Her remarks included an awkward moment when she called Vance an “assassin,” then appeared to retract the word. The appearance is likely to deepen debate about her political alignment and has drawn both praise within conservative circles and backlash from parts of the entertainment industry.
Key Takeaways
- Nicki Minaj appeared at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on Dec. 21, 2025, and publicly voiced admiration for Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.
- Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk and now leader of Turning Point, endorsed Vance onstage despite his not having declared a presidential bid.
- Minaj criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom using the nickname “New-scum,” a pejorative popularized by Trump, and said it is “OK to change your mind.”
- She referenced human-rights concerns in Nigeria, amplifying a post by Trump on Truth Social advocating sanctions; Minaj later spoke at a U.S. mission panel alongside Ambassador Mike Waltz.
- The artist has received 12 Grammy nominations in her career and previously condemned the 2018 zero-tolerance immigration policy that separated more than 5,000 children from their families.
- Onstage, Minaj called Vance an “assassin,” paused, and the moment produced visible emotion from Erika Kirk and murmurs from the audience.
- Turning Point’s flagship event remains a major platform for conservative youth outreach, and Minaj’s presence may bolster her profile among MAGA-aligned audiences while risking industry backlash.
Background
Turning Point USA is a prominent conservative youth organization whose annual AmericaFest convenes activists, donors and high-profile speakers to shape Republican-aligned youth engagement. The group’s influence has grown over the last decade, and its platform is frequently used to elevate political figures and cultural allies. Erika Kirk took a leading public role after the death of Charlie Kirk in September; her stewardship has included hosting national events and endorsing political figures from the stage.
Nicki Minaj’s political identity has shifted visibly in recent months. Long known for a career in pop and hip-hop with hits including “Super Freaky Girl,” “Anaconda” and “Starships,” she has supported a range of causes and earlier criticized President Trump — notably opposing the 2018 zero-tolerance immigration policy. Her recent public alignment with Trump-era messaging and conservative organizers marks a departure from past expressions and has attracted attention because of the contrast with previous positions.
Main Event
The Turning Point appearance began with an interview between Minaj and Erika Kirk in front of the AmericaFest crowd. Minaj expressed admiration for the current Republican administration’s personnel and said both Trump and Vance have qualities that make them relatable to young men. She framed her remarks around a desire for candid speech and said she was tired of being “pushed around,” suggesting her shift is partly a response to industry pressure and cultural debate.
During the conversation Minaj echoed a Trump-originated nickname for California Governor Gavin Newsom, calling him “New-scum,” and praised conservative leaders for having “heart and soul.” She singled out Vance for political skill, using the term “assassin” in an apparent attempt to praise his effectiveness; she then paused and appeared to reconsider the characterization, prompting audible reaction from the audience and an emotional response from Kirk.
Minaj also raised international concerns. She had earlier amplified a Trump post on Truth Social urging stronger measures toward Nigeria over attacks on Christians and told the audience the message gave her ‘‘a deep sense of gratitude’’ for religious freedom in the U.S. That remark prefaced an invitation she accepted to speak at a panel at the U.S. mission to the United Nations alongside Ambassador Mike Waltz and faith leaders, tying her cultural platform to foreign-policy advocacy.
Analysis & Implications
Celebrity endorsements can reshape political conversation, especially among younger voters who follow culture as closely as policy. Minaj’s pivot toward public praise for Trump-aligned figures could make her a bridge to audiences that have not previously been active in conservative politics, giving Turning Point and allied campaigns a prominent cultural voice. The impact depends on whether this is a sustained alignment or a series of issue-driven interventions.
For Minaj personally, the move trades some mainstream industry goodwill for influence among a politically energized base. That calculus matters: while conservative platforms can offer access and fervent support, they can also narrow an artist’s commercial and professional networks. Her comment that “it’s OK to change your mind” frames the shift as personal evolution rather than a wholesale ideological conversion.
On foreign-policy effects, a celebrity highlighting Nigeria’s Christian persecution can increase pressure on policymakers to respond, but policy outcomes hinge on diplomatic and legislative levers rather than celebrity attention alone. Minaj amplifying a Trump call for sanctions may raise visibility, yet experts note Nigeria’s violence involves complex local dynamics that resist simple external fixes.
Comparison & Data
| Year | Action | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Condemned zero-tolerance immigration policy | Referenced family arrival story; opposed child separations (~5,000 children) |
| 2025 (Dec.) | Appeared at Turning Point’s AmericaFest | Praised Trump and J.D. Vance; invited to UN mission panel |
| Career | Music achievements | 12 Grammy nominations; hits like “Super Freaky Girl” and “Anaconda” |
The table summarizes key public moments that illustrate Minaj’s shift from prior criticisms of Trump-era policy to active participation in conservative forums. While past interventions focused on immigration and personal narrative, recent engagements tie cultural visibility to geopolitical concerns and partisan platforms.
Reactions & Quotes
Turning Point attendees and conservative commentators praised the appearance as courageous and galvanizing for younger supporters; entertainment industry figures have criticized Minaj’s turn toward pro-Trump statements. Observers on both sides framed the event in broader culture-war terms, noting how celebrity endorsements are weaponized in modern political media.
If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman.
Erika Kirk, Turning Point USA leader (onstage)
It’s OK to change your mind.
Nicki Minaj (onstage)
Her post about Nigeria “made me feel a deep sense of gratitude,” she wrote on X, linking religious-freedom concerns to U.S. values.
Nicki Minaj (social post)
Unconfirmed
- Whether J.D. Vance will formally enter a 2028 presidential race remains unannounced and therefore unconfirmed.
- Specific motives, perpetrators and full investigative details related to Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September have not been exhaustively reported here and remain subject to official findings.
- It is unclear whether Minaj’s engagement with conservative institutions represents a lasting ideological realignment or a series of issue-specific interventions.
Bottom Line
Nicki Minaj’s AmericaFest appearance on Dec. 21, 2025, is a significant cultural-political event because it connects a globally recognized artist with a major conservative youth organization and prominent Republican figures. The onstage endorsement of Donald Trump and the warm reception from Turning Point leaders are likely to elevate Minaj’s profile within MAGA-aligned circles and give conservative organizers a high-profile messenger to reach younger audiences.
At the same time, the episode underscores the transactional nature of modern political celebrity: attention and access flow both ways, but so do risks to commercial standing and broad-based appeal. Policymakers, campaign strategists and cultural critics will be watching whether this moment translates into sustained political activity, measurable shifts in public opinion, or transient headlines.
Sources
- Fortune — news report summarizing the AmericaFest appearance and statements.