Rapper Nicki Minaj showed up as a surprise guest on the last day of Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix on December 21, 2025. The event drew big crowds at the Phoenix Convention Center. It was the first AmericaFest since the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk back in September. His widow, Erika Kirk, now leads the group and brought Minaj on stage for a Q&A session.
The crowd cheered loudly when Minaj walked out hand-in-hand with Erika Kirk. Fireworks went off, and people stood up. Minaj said she felt honoured to be there. She talked openly about her support for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Minaj called Trump “handsome and dashing”. She said he gives people hope and makes them feel there is a real chance to win against tough challenges. She praised both Trump and Vance as role models for young men. “They relate to regular people,” she said. They stay connected to what is happening in the world.
One awkward moment came when Minaj tried to compliment Vance’s political skills. She called him “the assassin JD Vance”. She quickly realised the slip, lowered the mic, and covered her mouth. The crowd laughed a bit. It was sensitive because Charlie Kirk had been killed by a sniper. Erika Kirk handled it smoothly and moved on. Vance spoke later and joked about it lightly.
Minaj also took shots at California Governor Gavin Newsom. She called him “Newscum”, a nickname Trump uses. She read old posts of hers criticising him. The audience laughed along.
A big part of the talk focused on faith. Erika Kirk asked why Minaj started speaking out about Christians facing violence in Nigeria. Minaj said her pastor is Nigerian, and many of her fans are too. She loves the country. Hearing about kidnappings and killings because of religion upset her.
“We take our freedom to worship for granted here,” she said. Minaj promised to keep defending Christians everywhere. “We won’t be silenced ever again,” she added. The crowd gave her standing ovations for that.
Minaj has been more vocal about politics lately. Last month, she worked with the Trump administration on the Nigeria issue. She spoke at the UN about protecting religious freedom. Before that, she had criticised Trump years ago. Now she says it’s okay to change your mind.
She brushed off backlash from the music industry. “I didn’t notice,” she said with a laugh. Minaj told the young crowd to think for themselves and not back down.
The appearance mixed pop culture with conservative views. Supporters loved it and cheered. Others online criticised her for the shift or the awkward comment. But Minaj seemed firm in her stance.
AmericaFest this year had over 30,000 people. It featured speakers like JD Vance too. Minaj’s spot was a highlight on the final day. She helped bridge entertainment and activism in a way few expected. For many attendees, it showed how ideas can reach new audiences. The event wrapped up with high energy heading into the holidays. Minaj’s words on faith and freedom stuck with a lot of them.
