Was Nicki Minaj always a Trump supporter? She spoke at Turning Point USA
- - Was Nicki Minaj always a Trump supporter? She spoke at Turning Point USA
Kinsey Crowley and KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY December 23, 2025 at 12:28 AM
0
Was Nicki Minaj always a Trump supporter? She spoke at Turning Point USA
Rapper Nicki Minaj spoke at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest on Dec. 21, expressing support for President Donald Trump.
The weekend conference in Phoenix, Arizona, drew major GOP figures, including Vice President JD Vance. It was the first annual summit since Turning Point USA's co-founder Charlie Kirk was killed while speaking at a Utah campus event in September.
Minaj made a surprise appearance in conversation with Kirk's widow Erika Kirk, who took over leadership of the organization after her husband's passing.
"I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president," Minaj told Kirk at the event. "I don't even know if he knows this, but he has given so many 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."
Here is what else to know about Minaj's previous history with Trump:
More: Widow of slain activist Charlie Kirk endorses JD Vance for president
AmericaFestâ conference this week.
The four-day event marks Turning Pointâs first conference since its co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed by an assassinâs bullet. See the most memorable images inside the event at Phoenix Convention Center.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Conservatives gathered in Arizona for Turning Pointâs annual âAmericaFestâ conference this week.
The four-day event marks Turning Pointâs first conference since its co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed by an assassinâs bullet. See the most memorable images inside the event at Phoenix Convention Center.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.WWWrvPSrnkoOwzVKlL3Gw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3f349f78f635a273c0f2b008a668c7ac class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Conservatives gathered in Arizona for Turning Pointâs annual âAmericaFestâ conference this week.
The four-day event marks Turning Pointâs first conference since its co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed by an assassinâs bullet. See the most memorable images inside the event at Phoenix Convention Center.
">Conservatives gathered in Arizona for Turning Pointâs annual âAmericaFestâ conference this week.
The four-day event marks Turning Pointâs first conference since its co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed by an assassinâs bullet. See the most memorable images inside the event at Phoenix Convention Center.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.WWWrvPSrnkoOwzVKlL3Gw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3f349f78f635a273c0f2b008a668c7ac class=caas-img>
Attendee pray with Pastor John Amanchukwu (out of frame) as he leads the daily prayer at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/X9Mcj.GlgrGv12SVNRzwXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/af86ce08043683333e0199cd7b6a500c class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Attendee pray with Pastor John Amanchukwu (out of frame) as he leads the daily prayer at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">Attendee pray with Pastor John Amanchukwu (out of frame) as he leads the daily prayer at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/X9Mcj.GlgrGv12SVNRzwXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/af86ce08043683333e0199cd7b6a500c class=caas-img>A man wears a t-shirt with an image of US President Donald Trump as attendees arrive at the main hall for Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QLHRaxJZTjtn.uWAOwH.hg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/30873070f98d30dca6cfb0c96b54b83f class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
A man wears a t-shirt with an image of US President Donald Trump as attendees arrive at the main hall for Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">A man wears a t-shirt with an image of US President Donald Trump as attendees arrive at the main hall for Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QLHRaxJZTjtn.uWAOwH.hg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/30873070f98d30dca6cfb0c96b54b83f class=caas-img>
Attendees pose for photos at the entrance to Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NsWLVoPRPgrdjxGkP04waA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a4f5b640c4c62c99f84915102130d008 class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Attendees pose for photos at the entrance to Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">Attendees pose for photos at the entrance to Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NsWLVoPRPgrdjxGkP04waA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a4f5b640c4c62c99f84915102130d008 class=caas-img>
Attendees listen to US conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro during Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L1bBzxpNoP6JTfkxsaClxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/860a8a93cea242c0212ff43f9465a569 class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Attendees listen to US conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro during Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">Attendees listen to US conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro during Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L1bBzxpNoP6JTfkxsaClxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/860a8a93cea242c0212ff43f9465a569 class=caas-img>
British comedian and actor Russel Brand kneels as he speaks on stage at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tgbiZFjcZEQxPFXWb.OVkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ef5cd345cc154e718ebe97e718df7258 class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
British comedian and actor Russel Brand kneels as he speaks on stage at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">British comedian and actor Russel Brand kneels as he speaks on stage at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tgbiZFjcZEQxPFXWb.OVkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ef5cd345cc154e718ebe97e718df7258 class=caas-img>Attendees wait for the beginning of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/baj9d.6YkFLOd.K0OORrAw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/02a16ecbd497bfb5f4f1f724f71c30c0 class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Attendees wait for the beginning of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">Attendees wait for the beginning of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/baj9d.6YkFLOd.K0OORrAw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/02a16ecbd497bfb5f4f1f724f71c30c0 class=caas-img>Attendees in US flag blazers pose as they wait for the beginning of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/052z2yrK5ol3SIIgzdGy6w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/739f28c6baf022a49ade598d462fcba7 class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Attendees in US flag blazers pose as they wait for the beginning of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">Attendees in US flag blazers pose as they wait for the beginning of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/052z2yrK5ol3SIIgzdGy6w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/739f28c6baf022a49ade598d462fcba7 class=caas-img>Attendees walk past a banner reading "woke can't win" as they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4a2lpWtfMDysVnMUxAr8lA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/10bbd2731f6c56b621767857f282080c class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Attendees walk past a banner reading "woke can't win" as they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">Attendees walk past a banner reading "woke can't win" as they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4a2lpWtfMDysVnMUxAr8lA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/10bbd2731f6c56b621767857f282080c class=caas-img>A woman holds a US flag as attendees wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3.QNtpGRvUqb2Zv3S2VbRQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5c7e127881195c3591d0e4963b50a22e class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
A woman holds a US flag as attendees wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">A woman holds a US flag as attendees wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3.QNtpGRvUqb2Zv3S2VbRQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5c7e127881195c3591d0e4963b50a22e class=caas-img>An attendee wears shoes with US flags at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PZ2oGylH_oyXEpJj1HzCgQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a6b9566dca2ad7521f7a25bf1858093a class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
An attendee wears shoes with US flags at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">An attendee wears shoes with US flags at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PZ2oGylH_oyXEpJj1HzCgQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a6b9566dca2ad7521f7a25bf1858093a class=caas-img>Attendees stand below an image of a statue of Abraham Lincoln as they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4kyLaWAR7BByz1IRRfJfOg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTEwNTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/432c5a410da0e5970524c75d42bfcae9 class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Attendees stand below an image of a statue of Abraham Lincoln as they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">Attendees stand below an image of a statue of Abraham Lincoln as they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4kyLaWAR7BByz1IRRfJfOg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTEwNTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/432c5a410da0e5970524c75d42bfcae9 class=caas-img>
Attendees stand below a photo of Erika Kirk and US President Donald Trump a they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Ytg.ple6eP1mZvnUb8Lbxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db8bf9d630072e7a92315babe11aa896 class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
Attendees stand below a photo of Erika Kirk and US President Donald Trump a they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">Attendees stand below a photo of Erika Kirk and US President Donald Trump a they wait for the start of Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Ytg.ple6eP1mZvnUb8Lbxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db8bf9d630072e7a92315babe11aa896 class=caas-img>
People watch from the crowd during AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on Dec. 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Qp6F5mon7I3tPiKAAkOMQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bab7230cb9e9cd00cd7f313314648e64 class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
People watch from the crowd during AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on Dec. 18, 2025.
">People watch from the crowd during AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on Dec. 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.Qp6F5mon7I3tPiKAAkOMQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bab7230cb9e9cd00cd7f313314648e64 class=caas-img>
A timeline of events is seen on the wall as attendees wait for the start of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_8t7Hu6qWUgBwVmnONGuxQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fe68ace53204f1de51a114f39895158e class=caas-img data-headline="Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful" data-caption="
A timeline of events is seen on the wall as attendees wait for the start of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
">A timeline of events is seen on the wall as attendees wait for the start of the conferences at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, in remembrance of late right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_8t7Hu6qWUgBwVmnONGuxQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fe68ace53204f1de51a114f39895158e class=caas-img>
1 / 39Turning Point AmericaFest 2025 attracts thousands of GOP faithful
Conservatives gathered in Arizona for Turning Pointâs annual âAmericaFestâ conference this week.
The four-day event marks Turning Pointâs first conference since its co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed by an assassinâs bullet. See the most memorable images inside the event at Phoenix Convention Center.
Is Nicki Minaj a Trump supporter?
Her remarks at the AmericaFest indicated strong support for the Trump administration.
She drew parallels between herself and the Republican president, noting that they both hail from Queens, New York.
"What it's shown me, personally, is sometimes even in the worst feeling times in your life, you think you're never going to come back from it. But you do. And our president shows that," Minaj said. "He's been through every single thing a person can be through publicly â having to constantly be lied [about]."
The singer did not clarify which lies the president has been combating.
"This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them," she said later. "I love both of them. They're both powerful men. Smart, strong, all of that. But both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to. I can relate to them."
Her recent posts on social media have also been critical of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and favorable of Trump.
'Island girl, Donald Trump want me go home'
Minaj has not always been an ardent supporter of Trump.
In 2015, she said in a Billboard interview that, "there are points he has made that may not have been so horrible if his approach wasnât so childish." But in 2016, Minaj released the song "Black Barbies," a remix of Rae Sremmurd's hit"Black Beatles.â
In the song she says, "Island girl, Donald Trump want me go home." Minaj is Trinidadian, and Trump had just won the presidential election on anti-immigration rhetoric when the song came out.
She also used Trump as an example of a double standard for genders in her 2010 documentary "My Time Now."
âDonald Trump can say âYouâre fired,ââ Minaj says in a clip posted to YouTube. âLet Martha Stewart run her company the same way and be the same way! â(Expletive). Oh evil b---!â But Donald Trump, he gets to hang out with young (expletive) and have 50 different wives and just be cool. 'Oh, Donald we love ya!'â
Contributing: Zac Anderson, Maeve McDermott, USA TODAY
Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on X (Twitter), Bluesky and TikTok.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Nicki Minaj a Trump supporter? Her 'island girl' lyric resurfaces
Source: âAOL Breakingâ
