Inside Trump and Nicki Minaj’s surprising bond: From unlikely allies to vocal supporters

Nicki Minaj wasn't always a supporter of Donald Trump. In June 2018, the rapper criticized the separation of migrant families at the US-Mexico border under his administration. Drawing on her own experience of arriving in America as a child, Minaj wrote on Instagram, “This is so scary to me. Please stop this.” But her political outlook changed over the years. During a December 21, 2025, appearance at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, Minaj discussed her evolving views in an onstage conversation with Erika Kirk, the organization's CEO and widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. “It's OK to change your mind,” Minaj told the audience, signaling her willingness to embrace political positions different from those she had previously expressed. The appearance marked a striking shift for the rapper, who had become an increasingly vocal supporter of Trump.

During her December 21, 2025, appearance at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix, Nicki Minaj made her admiration for Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance clear. Speaking with Erika Kirk, Minaj praised both leaders, calling them “role models” for young men. She also applauded Trump's willingness to challenge critics and credited his administration with addressing issues she cared about, including the treatment of Christians in Nigeria. Minaj appeared unfazed by the backlash surrounding her political views. When Kirk thanked her for showing courage despite the criticism, the rapper replied, “I didn't notice.” She then added a playful remark about her newfound political allies: “We're the cool kids.”

On January 28, 2026, Minaj joined Trump at a Washington event promoting Trump Accounts, a savings initiative for eligible American children. Taking the microphone, the rapper made her support unmistakable. “I am probably the president's No. 1 fan,” Minaj declared, adding, “And that's not going to change.” She also addressed criticism of her association with Trump, saying, “It actually motivates me to support him more.” Minaj promised to stand by the president despite political attacks, telling the audience, “We're not going to let them get away with bullying him.”

The admiration at the January 28 event went both ways. Introducing Minaj, Trump called her “the greatest and most successful female rapper in history” and praised her financial commitment to Trump Accounts. He also acknowledged that publicly supporting him had not always been easy for the entertainer. “Nicki has been an unbelievable supporter,” Trump said, before joking about her distinctive manicure. “I am going to let my nails grow because I love those nails,” he told the audience.

By September 2026, Minaj was speaking about Trump in increasingly personal terms. During a September 18 interview on 'The Ingraham Angle,' she explained why she enjoyed working with the president and his administration. “He has inspired many people, not just me,” she said, adding that Trump was someone she could relate to. Minaj described him as “very grounded” and said she appreciated his ability to connect with people. Her most emphatic statement came when she addressed the criticism surrounding their relationship. “I just love him. And I'm not going to ever make excuses for that,” she declared. Asked what she would say to those criticizing her support for Trump, Minaj had a two-word answer: “Absolutely nothing.” Her comments followed her involvement in the administration's Million-Dollar Pitch Competition, an initiative highlighting American small businesses.

Their public relationship reached a new level on October 25, when Minaj accompanied Trump aboard Air Force One on a trip to Michigan. During the flight, she appeared in a video conversation with White House communications director Steven Cheung, praising Trump's economic instincts and work ethic. “We have a president that understands economics,” Minaj said, describing Trump as a natural businessman. She also applauded his demanding campaign schedule. “He outworks people who are half his age,” she said. Cheung turned the conversation into a playful social-media moment, posting the video with the caption: “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!”

Donald Trump and Nicki Minaj's unlikely political bond was on full display at his October 25 campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, where the rapper joined him to support Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. While addressing the crowd, Trump made a cheeky remark about Minaj's appearance. “By the way, I looked at one hell of a beautiful a** before — Nicki Minaj,” Trump said. “That's hard to miss.” He then asked Minaj to stand, prompting cheers from the audience. Returning to his speech, Trump added, “I hope Nicki wasn't insulted, but we love Nicki. She's been with us for a long time.” Minaj later took the stage, leading supporters in chants of “We love Trump!” and praising the president's leadership. “I will continue to support you forever and ever,” she declared, adding, “If you run again, I will support you again.” Trump returned the praise, calling Minaj “a very special person” and telling the audience, “She never looked more beautiful.”