(Erika Kirk and Nicki Minaj at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest)
PHOENIX, AZ — Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance Sunday at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference, joining Erika Kirk, the widow of the organization’s late founder, onstage for a widely publicized question-and-answer session that blended entertainment and political commentary. The event, held at the Phoenix Convention Center, drew thousands of conservative activists and political figures over the weekend.
Minaj, long known as a chart-topping musician, used her unexpected platform to voice strong support for President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, calling them inspiring figures and “role models” for young men — remarks that marked a notable shift from her historically non-aligned or unpredictable political statements. Her praise was met with cheers and standing ovations from the AmericaFest audience.
In the onstage discussion with Kirk, Minaj also criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom, mockingly referring to him in derogatory terms and blasting his stances on transgender youth policies. She described her own evolution in public engagement, saying she had grown tired of being “pushed around” and emphasized her belief in speaking out on issues she cares about, including religious freedom and conservative-aligned causes.
Minaj’s appearance also produced one awkward moment while offering advice to young men. She briefly referred to Vice President Vance as an “assassin” before correcting herself, drawing both surprise and laughter from the crowd. Despite the slip, Vance later addressed the comment fondly and praised Minaj onstage.
