Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at a Turning Point USA event in Arizona on Sunday. She used her time on stage to memorialize late conservative leader Charlie Kirk. The rapper praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during the appearance.
She called the two leaders "role models" for young men across the country. Minaj was interviewed by Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, at the AmericaFest convention. The discussion focused on her newly found support for the Republican president.
Minaj had condemned Trump in the past but spoke about her change of heart. She also discussed her recent actions denouncing violence against Christians in Nigeria. The rapper even mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom during the interview.
She referred to the governor as "New-scum," a nickname originally used by Trump. Minaj expressed deep admiration for both the president and Vice President Vance. "Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to," she said.
The rap star spoke about the character of the current administration. "This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them," Minaj stated. She noted that she loves both the president and vice president.
Minaj told the crowd she was tired of being "pushed around" for her views. She argued that speaking your mind is only controversial because "people are no longer using their minds." Erika Kirk thanked the rapper for being "courageous" in the face of industry backlash.
The rapper dismissed the criticism she has received from the entertainment world. "I didn't notice," Minaj said regarding the negative reactions. "We don't even think about them," she added during the talk.
Kirk agreed that they did not have time to focus on the critics. "We're too busy building, right?" Kirk asked the rapper on stage. Minaj responded by telling the cheering crowd, "We're the cool kids."
Minaj previously criticized Trump’s 2018 immigration policies on social media. She had shared her own story of arriving in the country as a young child. At the time, she called the border situation "scary" and pleaded for it to stop.
The rapper addressed her past opposition while speaking with Erika Kirk on Sunday. She told the audience that growth and perspective are part of life. "It's OK to change your mind," Minaj told the crowd.