Rapper Nicki Minaj made an unexpected appearance at Turning Point USA'S AmericaFest convention, where she was interviewed by Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk. The Super Bass rapper and Kirk, 37, walked out hand in hand before sitting down for a conversation in Phoenix to close the first-ever AmericaFest convention on Sunday. View image in full screen CEO and Chair of the Board of Turning Point USA Erika Kirk (L) and US rapper Nicki Minaj arrive on stage during Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona on December 21, 2025. Olivier Touron / AFP via Getty Images The four-day conference brought together media personalities, conservative activists and leaders from the Republican party. Story continues below advertisement During her time at the event, Minaj, 43, praised U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them "role models" for young men."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.""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," Minaj said to the crowd. More on Entertainment More videos Donald Trump says 'pathetic trainwreck' Stephen Colbert should be taken off air Barry Manilow reveals 'cancerous spot' found on his lung Reflecting on the importance of campus radio as stations continue to close Bowen Yang to exit 'Saturday Night Live' after 8 seasons Nicki Minaj calls Trump 'dashing,' Vance an 'assassin' during appearance with Erika Kirk Biggest blockbuster movies to watch this holiday season 'Heated Rivalry' sparks conversation on identity, inclusion in sports Artist paints iconic Toronto landmarks She quickly realized what word she used to praise Vance's political skills - "assassin" - and went silent as she covered her mouth with her hand while the crowd murmured."If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman," said Erika Kirk, who became a widow when Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September. "Trust me, there's nothing new under the sun that I have not heard.""I love you," Minaj said to Kirk.
Minaj also mocked California Gov. Gavin Newsom, referring to him as "Newscum," a nicknamed Trump gave him.
When Kirk asked Minaj to give advice to young men, Minaj said, "Don't be Newscum." Story continues below advertisement "For boys: boys, be boys... There's nothing wrong with being a boy. How about that? How powerful is that? How profound is that? Boys will be boys, and there's nothing wrong with that," she said."No matter how you look, we should be trying to instill into them to be proud of how they look," Minaj continued. "I don't need someone with blond hair and blue eyes to downplay their beauty because I know my beauty."She went on to criticize messaging that makes any group feel like they are not good enough. "I don't want it done to any girls. I want all the little girls in the world to know that you are unique, you are beautiful," Minaj added. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. The Grammy-nominated rapper's recent alignment with the Make America Great Again movement has caught some interest because of her past criticism of Trump, including in 2018 when she condemned Trump's zero-tolerance immigration policy and described herself as an "illegal immigrant."On Sunday, Minaj told the audience: "It's OK to change your mind.""I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president," the Starships rapper said. "I don't know if he even knows this, but he's given so many people hope."Minaj said she was tired of being "pushed around," and she said that speaking your mind with different ideas is controversial because "people are no longer using their minds." Story continues below advertisement "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. I'm not going to back down ever again," Minaj said of her decision to support Trump.NICKI MINAJ: "I'm not gonna back down anymore. I'm not gonna back down ever again."@NICKIMINAJ and @MrsErikaKirk live at AmFest 2025 pic.twitter.com/jBa7RgveDW- Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) December 21, 2025Kirk thanked Minaj for being "courageous," despite the "backlash" she's receiving from the entertainment industry for expressing support for Trump."I didn't notice," Minaj said. "We don't even think about them." Kirk t