Nicki Minaj praises Trump at Erika Kirk's Turning Point event
What's the story
Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at the AmericaFest event on Sunday (US time), where she was interviewed by Erika Kirk. The annual convention is organized by Turning Point USA, a conservative organization co-founded by Charlie Kirk, Kirk's late husband. During the interview, Minaj expressed her admiration for US President Donald Trump and explained her decision to support him.
Support for Trump
'I'm not going to back down anymore'
When asked about her support for Trump, Minaj said, "I just got tired of being pushed around." "I have something inside of me that's stronger than what's out there. So when you've had enough you realize 'Wait a minute why do I even care about these people and what they think who are they?' They don't even know who they are. So I'm not going to back down anymore." She called Trump "handsome" and "dashing," and a "good role model."
Political clash
Minaj's feud with California Governor Gavin Newsom
Minaj also took a dig at California Governor Gavin Newsom during the event. The rapper and Newsom had previously engaged in a feud on X after she criticized his comments supporting transgender youth. When asked for advice to young men, Minaj told Kirk, "Don't be New-scum," a play on Newsom's name.
Leadership change
Kirk's new role and Turning Point USA's mission
After her husband's death in September, Kirk was unanimously elected as the CEO of Turning Point USA. The organization was co-founded by Charlie at 18 to promote conservative politics on high school and college campuses. In a letter posted on social media, board members said Charlie had "expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death."
Personal life
Kirk's background and family
Before becoming the CEO of Turning Point USA, Kirk was crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2011. She also appeared on Bravo's Summer House and launched her own faith-based podcast and clothing line. The couple have two children together: a daughter born in August 2022 and a son born in May 2024. Charlie (31) was shot and killed during a Turning Point event at Utah Valley University on September 10.