Rapper Nicki Minaj appeared as a surprise guest at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix on December 21, 2025, praising President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during an interview with Erika Kirk. She drew mixed social media reactions after shading California Gov. Gavin Newsom and making an awkward reference to Vance amid the event's remembrance of Charlie Kirk's assassination.
Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance as Erika Kirk's guest at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest on December 21, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center. The event, the organization's first major gathering since the September 2025 assassination of founder Charlie Kirk—Erika Kirk's husband—drew around 30,000 attendees over December 19-21.
Entering to her song 'Super Bass' amid applause, Minaj expressed admiration for Trump and Vance. 'I love both of them,' she said, describing them as an 'uncanny' duo connecting with everyday Americans. She praised Trump: 'I have the utmost respect and admiration for our President… This administration is full of people with heart and soul and they make me proud,' adding that he inspired hope in fighting 'the bad guys.' Advising young men, she contrasted Trump favorably with Newsom, whom she called 'Newscum.'
An awkward moment occurred when Minaj referred to Vance as an 'amazing role model like the assassin JD Vance,' pausing in apparent discomfort and covering her face. Kirk, responding gracefully, noted she had 'heard everything under the sun.'
Addressing potential backlash to her support for the administration, Minaj said she had not noticed it and urged staying 'joyful.' This follows her November 18 UN speech on Christian persecution in Nigeria, where she thanked Trump. Social media reactions were divided, with some fans shocked (@sammy_shields: 'HAS SHE LOST HER MIND ??!') and others supportive (@retrostoner: 'Still gone play Nicki').
Minaj's appearance capped an event that saw calls for Republican unity from Vance and others amid prior MAGA infighting.
