Erika Kirk, left, and Nicki Minaj speak during Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025
Under the glare of AmericaFest’s red-white-and-blue stage lights, Nicki Minaj managed to turn a few off-the-cuff lines into a full-blown culture-war moment.Chatting with Turning Point USA’s Erika Kirk on December 21, the rapper praised old-school gender roles, mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom, praising Trump and Vance—only to set off a backlash from queer fans and Democrat lovers.As critics cried transphobia and hypocrisy, supporters rushed in with longer clips and context, leaving Minaj once again straddling pop stardom, political controversy and a fanbase sharply divided over where she stands.Nicki Minaj made a special appearance at the Turning Point USA, and praised President Trump and Vice President JD Vance as leaders she admired and as figures young men could relate to.She also mocked California governor Gavin Newsom using a nickname popularised by Trump, signalling comfort with the language commonly used within MAGA-aligned political spaces. Minaj did not outline any policy positions. She did not discuss immigration, taxation, foreign policy or culture-war legislation. Her comments remained focused on leadership, personality and public perception rather than governance.During the broadcast, Minaj elaborated on her views, saying, ‘Boys, be boys,’ and continued, ‘It’s OK. Be boys. There’s nothing wrong with being a boy. How powerful is that? How profound is that? Boys will be boys and there’s nothing wrong with that.’ The host responded with, ‘Amen,’ as Minaj stretched her arms out, underscoring the unapologetic tone of the exchange. A lot of users slammed Minaj. One of the users said, “Saying boys aren’t girls isn’t transphobic, retard.” Another commented, “So based. So. Freaking. Based. She needs to do a twerk for Trump rally so conservatism can keep winning.”A user said, “this woman built her entire career off of the back of the lgbtq+ community… death to u, ur rodent husband & ur fu***d up bloodline.” The Rapper criticised California governor Newsom over his support for transgender health care for minors and discouraged the prominent Democrat from running for president, suggesting he “get on the nearest Jet Ski and let that beautiful hair blow in the wind. It will make you happier than this race that you will not win.”During their conversation, Kirk told Minaj, “I want you to say whatever you want to say to Newsom.” “Dear Newscum,” Minaj said, using a nickname Trump has used for the California governor in the past.“We don’t have a problem cleaning up the scum if we have to. Please tread lightly.” “That’s what I would say to Gavvy-poo,” she added. Her comments for Democrat and praise for Trump and Vance has made internet join dots with her husband, who was jailed for a rape case.One of the users said, “Nicki Minaj’s husband is a convicted sex offender, and her brother is a pedophile. No wonder she fits in so well with the MAGA crowd.”Another said, “A reminder: Nicki Minaj has a history of defending violent abusers. This includes her husband, who is a sex offender, and her brother, who is literally a pedophile. She is despicable. This is who MAGA and Erika Kirk are proudly bringing on stage at a Turning Point rally?” A user said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present: The new MAGA mascot Nicki Minaj! Yes, both Nicki Minaj’s husband, and brother were found guilty of raping a child and yes she hired men to harass the victims and try to get them to drop their cases! She fits right in.” Go to Source
