Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference, or AmFest conference, on Sunday, joining the organization’s new leader, Erika Kirk, for a wide-ranging question-and-answer session that drew significant attention from conservative activists and the media. Nicki Minaj joins Erika Kirk at Turning Point USA’s latest event for a Q&A Kirk, who assumed the role of Chairman and CEO 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 honored to be here. I’m honored to be here,” Minaj told the audience after Kirk introduced her. During the session, Minaj spoke positively of both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, describing them as leaders with an “incredible” ability to connect with Americans. “I love both of them,” she said, marking a notable shift in her public political stance. “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 you relate to.” Kirk thanked Minaj for being “courageous” despite the backlash she is receiving from the entertainment industry for voicing support for Trump. “I didn’t notice,” Minaj said. “We don’t even think about them.” Kirk then said, “We don’t have time for that. We’re too busy building, right?” \u201cWe’re the cool kids,\u201d 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 shown increased support for conservative figures in recent months, including bracing posts from Trump’s social media platform highlighting global issues such as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. On November 1, 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 practice their religion. “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion (sic),” she wrote. Minaj also wrote that “we don’t have to share the same beliefs for us to respect each other (sic),” highlighting the broader global context of religious violence. Her participation in AmericaFest represents a striking intersection between mainstream entertainment and conservative political activism. It also highlights the continued diversification of public figures involved in Turning Point USA, the youth-oriented organization founded in 2012 to promote conservative values \u200b\u200bacross college campuses and beyond. Erika Kirk and the Legacy of Charlie Kirk Erika Kirk assumed leadership of Turning Point USA in the wake of a profound personal tragedy. Her husband, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The 31-year-old co-founder and then-CEO of Turning Point USA was fatally wounded during an event on the organization’s nationwide tour. Authorities have charged a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, with aggravated murder and related offenses in connection with the shooting. Erika Kirk spoke publicly about her husband’s impact and vowed to continue the mission he championed. In remarks to supporters at AmericaFest and other venues, she cited his role as a coalition builder and peacemaker, and emphasized the importance of maintaining Turning Point USA’s momentum amid ongoing political divisions. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, she continued with key endorsements, including supporting Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 US presidential election. Her support for Vance, who has close ties to the Kirk family and the broader conservative movement, was a central theme during the conference’s opening sessions. Nicki Minaj: Recent Career and Public Profile 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. She rose to fame in the late 2000s, gaining 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, achieved commercial success and critical attention. In recent years, Minaj has also expanded into television and fashion ventures, and she has maintained a strong 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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