Joy Reid blasts GOP for using Nicki Minaj to put ‘blackface’ on MAGA

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: Former MSNBC host Joy Reid unleashed sharp criticism of rapper Nicki Minaj 'The Don Lemon Show' Friday, February 6, accusing her of being used by the Republican Party for political gain.

Reid focused on Minaj’s growing alignment with President Donald Trump and the GOP, arguing that her support is being strategically exploited rather than genuinely welcomed. She contended that Republicans are interested in Minaj not for her music but for the Black cultural influence she represents.

Joy Reid critiques Minaj’s GOP alignment

Reid argued that Republican leaders are “giddy” about Minaj’s support, despite many being unfamiliar with her work. She described the GOP’s approach as an attempt to gain Black "cultural cool," claiming they want Minaj “on a leash as their house pet cuddled at Donald Trump’s feet” to boost the party’s cultural credibility.

She added that this cultural influence has historically been powerful in the US, saying Republicans seek “somebody Black to be the face, to put blackface on MAGA,” illustrating her view that Minaj’s role is symbolic rather than substantive.

Reid also directed personal critiques at Minaj, accusing her of not genuinely addressing issues affecting Black people or immigrants. She noted Minaj’s lack of focus on the deaths of Trinidadian fishermen, despite the rapper recently raising concerns about kidnapped Nigerian Christians.

Reid went further, asserting Minaj “hates other female rappers, who are more popular than her, Cardi B,” and remarked on Minaj’s career, saying, “She’ll never be Rihanna. She’ll never have a brand like Rihanna. She’ll never be Beyonce,” while labeling her a “40-some year-old Black female rapper.”

Nicki Minaj supports Trump administration

Minaj has recently expressed vocal support for Trump, including appearing on stage with him at a Treasury Department event in January 2026. In interviews, she explained that her support stems from perceiving Trump as unfairly treated and drawing parallels to her own experiences with public scrutiny.

She also praised members of the administration, saying, “This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them.” Her shift to openly backing conservative policies became clear in November 2025, when she thanked Trump for his threats toward the Nigerian government over alleged attacks on Christians.

Through these actions, Minaj has positioned herself as a surprising figure in American politics, prompting scrutiny and criticism from voices like Reid, who argue that her influence is being co-opted for political symbolism rather than meaningful change.