Charlie Kirk says Nicki Minaj is not a good role model in resurfaced clip

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Old remarks by conservative activist Charlie Kirk about rapper Nicki Minaj resurfaced across social media after the singer made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona.

In the resurfaced video, Kirk was seen saying Minaj was “not a good role model for 18-year-old Black girls,” comments that drew renewed attention following Minaj’s onstage appearance at the conservative conference. The clip began circulating widely online after Minaj was spotted at the event alongside Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s wife.

The video has been making rounds across multiple social media platforms following the recently held Turning Point USA AmericaFest 2025, where Minaj appeared as a guest and participated in an onstage conversation.

Charlie Kirk says Black culture is being held captive in resurfaced debate clip

The resurfaced clip originated from a college event held in April 2024, where Kirk debated a student during a public discussion. In the exchange, Kirk named Nicki Minaj as an example of someone he did not view as a positive role model for young Black women.

“Right now, Black culture is being held captive by influences, by songs,” Kirk said during the debate. He was interrupted by the student, who asked, “Which influences?” 

“Nicki Minaj, Cardi B,” Kirk replied, prompting the student to respond, “OK, Nicki Minaj is causing dads to leave the home?”

Kirk then clarified his position, saying, “I don’t think that’s a good role model for 18-year-old Black girls,” referencing lyrics he described as explicit. Addressing the crowd, he added, “I don’t know which one wrote that song. Which one was it?” 

The exchange briefly turned lighthearted when the student sarcastically replied, “I think it was Ben Shapiro,” prompting laughter. Kirk acknowledged the joke, responding, “Yeah, that’s right.”

Kirk went on to contrast modern cultural influences with earlier generations, saying, “The role models of the 1940s and ’50s for Black America were completely different.” When the student suggested the issue was one of representation, Kirk disagreed, saying it was instead about “who you get your art from” and the values those artists promote.

Nicki Minaj praises Trump during Turning Point USA AmericaFest appearance

Nicki Minaj made an unexpected appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on Sunday, December 21, joining Erika Kirk onstage for a conversation that blended politics, faith, and cultural commentary. The appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the multi-day conservative conference.

Minaj received loud applause as she took the stage, engaging the audience from a setup styled after Charlie Kirk’s signature onstage window format. Clips of her remarks circulated widely online following the event.

During the conversation, Minaj praised President Donald Trump and encouraged young men in the audience to embrace leadership qualities she said he embodied. She framed her comments around confidence, resilience, and personal conviction.

“He has given so many people hope that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys and to win and to do it with your head held high,” Minaj told the crowd.

Her appearance, paired with the resurfacing of Kirk’s earlier remarks, reignited debate online about culture, representation, and the intersection of entertainment and conservative politics.