Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance on Sunday at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference or AmFest conference, joining the organisation’s new leader, Erika Kirk, for a wide-ranging question and answer session that drew significant attention from conservative activists and the media alike.
Kirk, who assumed the role of chairwoman and chief executive officer of Turning Point USA earlier this year following the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, welcomed Minaj to the stage, setting the tone for what became one of the most talked-about moments at the four-day event. “I’m honoured to be here. I’m honoured to be here,” Minaj told the audience after Kirk introduced her.
During the session, Minaj spoke positively about both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, describing them as leaders with an “uncanny” ability to connect with Americans. “I love both of them,” she said, marking a notable shift in her public political posture.
“This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them. Our vice president, he makes me ... well, I love both of them,” Minaj said. “Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.”
Kirk thanked Minaj for being “courageous,” despite the backlash she is receiving from the entertainment industry for expressing support for Trump.
“I didn’t notice,” Minaj said. “We don’t even think about them.” Kirk then said “we don’t have time to. We’re too busy building, right?”
“We’re the cool kids,” Minaj said.
Minaj’s appearance came amid growing speculation that she would attend the convention, but the announcement was only confirmed when she took the stage. The rapper has in recent months shown increased support for conservative figures, including amplifying posts from Trump’s social media platform that highlight global issues such as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. On 1 November, Minaj shared a screenshot of a Trump Truth Social post about the situation in Nigeria, writing that she felt “a deep sense of gratitude” that Americans can freely practise their religion. “No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion (sic),” she wrote.
Minaj also wrote that “We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other (sic),” and highlighted the broader global context of religious violence.
Her participation at AmericaFest represents a striking crossover between mainstream entertainment and conservative political activism. It also underscores the continued diversification of public figures engaging with Turning Point USA, the youth-oriented organisation founded in 2012 to promote conservative values across college campuses and beyond.
The 31-year-old co-founder and then chief executive of Turning Point USA was fatally wounded during an event on the organisation’s nationwide tour. Authorities subsequently charged a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, with aggravated murder and related offences in connection with the shooting.
Erika Kirk has publicly spoken about her husband’s impact and vowed to continue the mission he championed. In remarks to supporters at AmericaFest and other venues, she has invoked his role as a coalition builder and peacemaker, and has emphasised the importance of maintaining Turning Point USA’s momentum amid ongoing political divisions.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities, she has pressed forward with key endorsements, including backing Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 United States presidential election. Her support for Vance, who has close ties with the Kirk family and the broader conservative movement, was a central theme during the opening sessions of the conference.
On the work front, Nicki Minaj remains one of the most prominent figures in contemporary music, known for her dynamic flow, provocative lyrics, and influence on the rap and pop genres.
Rising to fame in the late 2000s, she gained widespread recognition with hits such as 'Super Bass,' 'Anaconda' and 'Starships,' and has been credited with helping to shape the sound of mainstream hip-hop and chart pop. Her albums, including Pink Friday and Queen, have achieved commercial success and critical attention alike.
In recent years, Minaj has also branched out into television and fashion ventures, and she has maintained a robust social media presence that continues to engage millions of followers worldwide. Her evolving political commentary and public endorsements have sparked debate across the cultural and political spectrum, underscoring her continued relevance beyond music.
Curated by David Kim
