Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest, or AmFest, on Sunday, joining new leader Erika Kirk in a wide-ranging question-and-answer session that drew significant attention from conservative activists and the media.
Nicki Minaj joins Erika Kirk for the latest Turning Point USA Q&A
Kirk, who assumed the role of chairman and CEO of Turning Point USA earlier this year after the death of her husband Charlie Kirk, welcomed Minaj to the stage and set the tone for what became one of the most talked about moments of the four-day event. “It’s an honor to be here. It’s an honor to be here,” Minaj told the crowd after Kirk introduced her.
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During the session, Minaj spoke positively of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, describing them as leaders with an “uncanny” ability to connect with the American people. “I love them both,” she said, marking a significant shift in her public political stance.
“This administration is full of people with heart and soul and they make me proud. Our vice president, he makes me … well, I love them both,” Minaj said. “They both have a very special ability to be someone you relate to.
Kirk thanked Minaj for being “brave” despite the backlash she’s been receiving from the entertainment industry for expressing support for Trump.
“I didn’t notice,” Minaj said. “We don’t even think about them.” Kirk then said, “We don’t have time. We’re too busy building, aren’t we?”
“We’re cool kids,” Minaj said.
Minaj appeared amid growing speculation that she would attend the convention, but the announcement was only confirmed when she took the stage. The rapper has shown increased support for conservative figures in recent months, including amplifying posts from Trump’s social media platform highlighting global issues such as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. On November 1, Minaj shared a screenshot from a Trump Truth Social post about the situation in Nigeria, writing that she felt a “deep sense of gratitude” that Americans are free to practice their religion. “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion (sic),” she wrote.
Minaj also wrote that “we don’t have to share the same beliefs to respect each other (sic),” highlighting the larger global context of religious violence.
Read also | Rapper Nicki Minaj calls for the protection of Christians in Nigeria at a UN event
Her participation in AmericaFest represents a significant transition between mainstream entertainment and conservative political activism. It also underscores the continued diversification of public figures who work with Turning Point USA, a youth-oriented organization founded in 2012 to advance conservative values across college campuses and beyond.
Erika Kirk and the Charlie Kirk legacy
Erika Kirk took over the leadership of Turning Point USA in the wake of a deep personal tragedy. Her husband Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025 while giving a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The 31-year-old co-founder and then-CEO of Turning Point USA was fatally injured during an event on the organization’s national tour. Authorities subsequently charged the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, with aggravated murder and related offenses in connection with the shooting.
Read also | Charlie Kirk advised Trump not to get involved in the war between Israel and Gaza. Why?
Erika Kirk has spoken publicly about her husband’s influence and vowed to continue the mission he championed. In remarks to supporters at AmericaFest and other venues, he invoked his role as a coalition-builder and peacemaker and emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum of Turning Point USA amid ongoing political rifts.
In addition to her leadership duties, she pushed through key recommendations, including the endorsement of Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 United States presidential election. Her support for Vance, who has close ties to the Kirk family and the broader conservative movement, was central to the conference’s opening sessions.
Nicki Minaj: recent career and public profile
On the work front, Nicki Minaj remains one of the most distinctive figures in contemporary music, known for her dynamic flow, provocative lyrics and influence on the rap and pop genres.
In the late 2000s, she gained fame and widespread recognition with hits such as ‘Super Bass’, ‘Anaconda’ and ‘Starships’ and was credited with helping to shape the sound of mainstream hip-hop and chart-topping pop. Her albums, including Pink Friday and Queen, achieved both commercial success and critical attention.
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In recent years, Minaj has also branched out into television and fashion ventures, and has maintained a strong social media presence that continues to engage millions of followers worldwide. Her evolving political commentary and public support have sparked debate across the cultural and political spectrum, underscoring her continued relevance beyond music.
