PHOENIX, ARIZONA December 21, 2025 – Rapper Nicki Minaj delivered a surprise guest appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference on Sunday, where she enthusiastically praised President Donald Trump and his administration, declaring that it “makes us feel proud to be an American.”
In a sit-down interview with Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk — the widow of the organization’s late founder Charlie Kirk — Minaj expressed “the utmost respect and admiration” for Trump. She credited him with giving people “hope that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys, and to win, and to do it with your head held high and your integrity intact.”
“This administration is filled with people with heart and soul,” Minaj said, highlighting both Trump and Vice President JD Vance as “strong, powerful, smart men” who remain connected to everyday Americans. “They make me proud to be an American,” she added, earning loud applause from the thousands in attendance.
The White House amplified the moment on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a clip of Minaj’s remarks with the caption: “MAKES US FEEL PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN 🔥 @NICKIMINAJ.”
Minaj’s appearance comes amid her recent advocacy for persecuted Christians, particularly in Nigeria, and marks a notable shift in her public political stance. Previously critical of Trump-era policies, the “Queen of Rap” has increasingly aligned with conservative causes, including direct engagement with administration officials.
During the Q&A, Minaj also took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, reading aloud her past critical posts about him and joking about his political future. She urged young men in the audience to emulate Trump’s leadership style, describing him as “handsome” and “dashing.”
The event, held at the Phoenix Convention Center, drew over 30,000 attendees and featured high-profile speakers, including Vice President JD Vance, who later acknowledged Minaj’s support.
Minaj’s crossover into conservative spaces highlights the broadening appeal of the MAGA movement in pop culture, joining a small group of pro-Trump rappers. Reactions online were polarized, with supporters celebrating her boldness and critics questioning the alignment given her provocative artistic persona.
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