Nicki Minaj, an American musician, was at a loss for words after recognising she had just referred to Vice President JD Vance as an “assassin” during a Turning Point USA event on Sunday. Nicki Minaj made an unfortunate language gaffe during a surprise appearance onstage with Erika Kirk at AmericaFest, hosted by Turning Point USA.
She first energised the gathering by advising young men not to be “new-s**m,” a swipe at California Governor Gavin Newsom, and instead to emulate President Donald Trump.
“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. She suddenly trailed off, lowered the microphone, and covered her mouth with her palm, clearly comprehending what she had just uttered as the audience laughed and murmured.
Erika Kirk tries to console Nicki Minaj
Erika Kirk defended Minaj after she named Vice President JD Vance an “assassin” while also describing him as a role model. Kirk and Minaj were speaking on stage at a festival hosted by Turning Point USA, the conservative youth movement established by Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk was shot while attending a Turning Point USA rally on the Utah Valley University campus.
Minaj did not expressly clarify her remark, but her reaction made it clear she had misspoke. Kirk promptly voiced his support for Minaj. “Trust me, there`s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you`re fine,” Kirk told Minaj. “I love you. You have to laugh about it, truly. You say what you want to say, because I know your heart, and I will not judge that.”
Despite the temporary hiccup, Minaj lauded Donald Trump and JD Vance, describing them as personalities she liked.
All about Nicki Minaj`s controversy
“This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them,” Minaj remarked at another point during the conversation. She went on to say that Trump and Vance were both able to communicate with people in a way that she could relate to.
Minaj`s attendance at the event was notable because she had previously criticised Trump. In 2018, she was one of several celebrities who spoke out against the administration`s zero-tolerance immigration policy and discussed her own childhood arrival in the United States.
On Sunday, Minaj addressed the change immediately. “It`s okay to change your mind,” she stated on stage. JD Vance concluded AmericaFest 2025 by addressing an energised audience and stating that the “America First” movement welcomes independent thinkers who are loyal to the country.
Shortly after Minaj`s attendance, the White House shared a video clip from the event in which she expressed “the utmost respect and admiration for our president.” Minaj retweeted the video, captioned “My darling, you did it.” We`re good. “I love you.”
