Erika Kirk, left, and Nicki Minaj speak during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest 2025, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)
Nicki Minaj has sparked controversy after an unexpected comment during her appearance at the annual AmericaFest event in Arizona. While participating in a question-and-answer session alongside Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Minaj referred to JD Vance, a Republican senator from Ohio, as an “assassin.” The remark, made on December 3, 2023, has drawn criticism given the sensitive context surrounding Ms. Kirk’s loss.
The event, hosted by Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that promotes conservative politics among young people, featured Minaj as a guest star. During her interaction with the audience, Ms. Kirk posed a question about role models for young men, to which Minaj responded, “Dear young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president and you have amazing role models like the assassin JD Vance, our vice president.” The comment prompted an immediate reaction from Minaj, who appeared to realize the inappropriateness of her words, covering her mouth and looking away.
In an attempt to ease the tension, Ms. Kirk reassured Minaj by saying, “there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard,” and added, “I love you.” She encouraged the audience to find humor in the situation, stating, “you have to laugh about it, truly.” Kirk also shared her views on the resilience she has developed in the face of adversity, remarking, “I have been called every single thing, and you know what? God is so good you let it roll right off your back.”
Despite the controversy, Ms. Kirk defended Minaj, describing her as an “amazing woman” with “a soul and a heart for the Lord.” She emphasized that while words can be impactful, understanding a person’s heart is what truly matters. “But I know her heart, and it doesn’t even matter,” she said.
Minaj, who has increasingly aligned herself with right-wing politics in recent years, expressed her support for both Donald Trump and JD Vance during the event. “I love both of them,” she declared, noting their ability to connect with the public. She characterized her audience as “the cool kids,” contrasting them with those she described as “disgruntled.”
In the aftermath of her appearance at AmericaFest, Minaj’s social media presence has been impacted. Reports indicate she lost hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and has since deactivated her account. Despite this, she remains active on X, where she has shared photos from her time on stage with Erika Kirk.
As the backlash continues, the ramifications of Minaj’s comments highlight the complexities of public discourse, particularly in politically charged environments. The incident serves as a reminder of the sensitivities surrounding personal loss and the impact of public figures’ statements.
