Rapper Nicki Minaj has publicly condemned California Governor Gavin Newsom, declaring his political career finished in a series of social media posts on Friday.
Minaj, known for condemning cancel culture and previously aligning with the Trump administration on issues like Christian persecution abroad, targeted Newsom for his political positions and public image.
Newsom has recently drawn backlash for advocating some level of moderation on certain progressive positions, including the debate over transgender competitors in women’s sports. He told The New York Times' Ezra Klein that while 80% of people disagree with him on the issue, his stance "comes from my heart." Newsom also emphasized his pro-LGBTQ record, stating, "No one has been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ community."
Minaj, however, centered her criticism on his public focus on transgender issues:
"Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids," she wrote. "Normal adults wake up & think they want to see HEALTHY, SAFE, HAPPY kids. Not Gav. The Gav Nots. GavOUT. Send in the next guy, I’m bored."
She then ridiculed his polished image, suggesting he has benefited from his looks: "Gavin is the cute boy who got everything handed to him b/c of how cute & sexy & hot & smoking he was... He thinks he’s Tom Cruise."
Minaj concluded that his path to the presidency is "impossible," telling him: "Oh Gavvy pooh, it only gets worse from here for you, buddy. It’s the end of the road for you, my love." She advised him to "Get on the nearest jet ski & let that beautiful hair blow in the wind... It will make you happier than this race that you will not win."
In a clear sign of political alignment, Minaj retweeted an AI caricature of her alongside conservative political figure JD Vance, and previously tweeted, "The Vance > The Gav Nots."