Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj made an unexpected appearance at AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, where she publicly praised US President Donald Trump and voiced her support for his leadership.
The event took place on Sunday at the Phoenix Convention Center, where Minaj walked onto the stage hand in hand with Turning Point USA’s newly appointed CEO, Erika Kirk.
During a conversation on stage, Kirk asked Minaj what she had learned from Donald Trump’s administration. In response, the rapper spoke warmly about the president, saying he had inspired hope among many Americans.
“I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” Minaj said. “I don’t know if he even knows this, but he’s given so many people hope.”
‘I’m not backing down anymore’
When asked why she chose to openly support Trump despite potential backlash, Minaj said she had grown tired of being pressured by public opinion and no longer cared about criticism.
“I just got tired of being pushed around,” she said. “I have something inside of me that’s stronger than what’s out there. When you’ve had enough, you realise, ‘Why do I even care what these people think?’ I’m not going to back down anymore. I’m not going to back down ever again.”
At another point during the appearance, Minaj described Trump as “handsome” and “dashing,” while also naming him and JD Vance as figures she considers role models.
AmericaFest 2025
AmericaFest, an annual conservative conference organised by Turning Point USA, is being held December 18–21 and features political leaders, commentators and high-profile public figures from across the United States.
Minaj’s appearance marked one of the most talked-about moments of the event, drawing significant attention online due to her candid remarks and unexpected political endorsement.
