Nicki Minaj’s recent remarks praising former President Donald Trump have ignited a backlash, reviving her past criticisms of his immigration policies. During Trump’s first term, the Trinidadian rapper condemned his approach, describing it as “so scary.” In a 2018 statement, Minaj reflected on her own experience as an immigrant, noting, “I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5.”
At AmericaFest, a conservative conference hosted by Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 16, 2023, Minaj shared the stage with Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During the event, she commended Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, declaring the administration as “full of people with heart and soul.” This unexpected shift in Minaj’s political stance has led to significant public outcry, with some calling for her deportation back to Trinidad.
A petition titled “Deport Nicki Minaj back to Trinidad” has gathered over 18,368 signatures as of now. The petitioners argue that Minaj’s recent political views starkly contrast with the values many believe she previously upheld. The petition states, “This is personal for those of us who watched Nicki rise as a beacon of hope, only to feel abandoned by her shift in values.”
Minaj addressed her AmericaFest audience by stating she had grown “tired of being pushed around” and would no longer shy away from expressing her opinions, even if they diverged from her fan base’s expectations. She took the opportunity to criticize California Governor Gavin Newsom and expressed her support for various prominent Republicans.
The rapper’s comments have not gone unnoticed by her fans, many of whom have expressed their disappointment. One individual wrote, “As an Afro-Latina and Caribeña who grew up listening to Nicki’s music and feeling empowered by her art, I’m appalled by her recent claims.” Another fan from Trinidad remarked, “I’m tired of Nicki Minaj using Trinidadian identity when it suits her while embarrassing the culture on a global stage.”
Criticism also emerged regarding Minaj’s impact on transgender communities. One contributor highlighted the importance of gender-affirming care, stating, “For transgender people, gender-affirming care is actually life-saving.” Another pointed out the irony of Minaj supporting a controversial figure while facing calls for her own deportation, saying, “Maybe we’ll see her in one of those White House deportation videos.”
Minaj’s transformation from a vocal critic of Trump’s policies to a supporter has left many of her fans and followers grappling with their feelings about her. The juxtaposition of her past and present statements raises questions about the connection between celebrity influence and political alignment, illustrating the complex dynamics of public figures in today’s polarized environment.
