Turning Point USA wrapped up its AmericaFest 2025 in Phoenix on December 21 with some big moments on the final day. The event at the Phoenix Convention Center drew over 30,000 people over four days.
It was the first since founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September. His widow, Erika Kirk, now leads the organisation. She brought out surprise guest Nicki Minaj for a Q&A. Vice President JD Vance closed things out with a speech.
Minaj walked on stage holding hands with Erika Kirk. Her song “Super Bass” played as the crowd cheered. Fireworks lit up the room. Minaj saluted fans and made heart shapes with her hands. She said she felt honoured to be there.
The two talked about politics and faith. Minaj praised President Donald Trump. She called him “handsome and dashing”. She said he gives people hope and a real chance to win big fights. Minaj also spoke highly of JD Vance. She called him a great role model for young men.
At one point, she referred to him as “the assassin JD Vance”. She quickly covered her mouth, realising the word choice. The crowd went quiet for a second, given Charlie Kirk’s death by sniper. Erika Kirk moved on smoothly. Vance later joked about it when he spoke.
Minaj took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom too. She used Trump’s nickname “Newsom” for him. She read old posts criticising him. The audience laughed. Minaj said young men should look up to leaders like Trump and Vance instead. They stay connected to everyday people, she added.
A lot of the conversation focused on Christians facing violence in Nigeria. Minaj has spoken out about it before. She said her pastor is Nigerian, and many fans are too. She promised to keep defending religious freedom. “We take it for granted here,” she told the crowd. They gave her standing ovations.
Minaj has changed her views over time. She supported Democrats in the past. Now she backs Trump. She said it’s okay to switch sides when you get tired of feeling pushed around. Industry backlash does not bother her much. “I didn’t notice,” she laughed.
Later, JD Vance took the stage as the final speaker. He honoured Charlie Kirk and called for unity in the conservative movement. Vance rejected “purity tests” amid some debates at the event. He encouraged everyone to keep fighting for shared goals. The crowd chanted his name.
AmericaFest featured other speakers too, like Ben Shapiro and Donald Trump Jr. President Trump called in. Erika Kirk had endorsed Vance earlier for a possible 2028 run.
The crowd was energetic all weekend. Young conservatives filled the halls. Many saw Minaj’s appearance as a way to reach new people. Reactions online were mixed. Some cheered the crossover. Others questioned it.
Turning Point USA keeps growing. This year’s event set records for attendance. It mixed politics, culture, and remembrance. Minaj and Vance helped end it on a high note for supporters. The conference heads into the new year with momentum. Many left inspired to get involved more.
