Nicki Minaj faces awkward moment after calling JD Vance 'the assassin' in front of Erika Kirk

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Rapper Nicki Minaj experienced a major on-stage verbal misstep at a Turning Point USA event on Sunday, December 21, when she referred to Vice President JD Vance as 'The Assassin' while speaking alongside CEO of TPUSA, Erika Kirk. 

The moment caused an awkward pause from Minaj and a quick recovery from Erika as the crowd reacted.

Nicki Minaj’s onstage gaffe involving JD Vance

Minaj found herself unexpectedly silent after making an ill-timed comment about Vance during TPUSA’s 'AmericaFest' event.

As she was listing compliments for figures in the Trump administration, Minaj said, “And you have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president.” 

She immediately caught herself mid-sentence, winced, brought her left hand up to her mouth, and closed her eyes, visibly realizing the awkwardness of her choice of words.

After the comment, she remained silent for nearly a minute as she appeared to collect herself on stage.

Her comment was made three months after TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at an event in Utah Valley University campus.

Tyler Robinson, who was accused in the death of Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday, December 12, as trial proceeds.

Minaj had been speaking positively about members of the administration, including calling President Trump 'handsome' and 'dashing' prior to the remark about Vance.

The crowd’s reaction included laughter at the mistake rather than outright hostility.

Erika Kirk comes to Nicki Minaj's rescue

Erika, who was on stage with her surprise guest of honor Minaj, responded quickly to the awkward moment with support rather than criticism. 

She did her best to move past it quickly, "Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you’re fine." 

Erika took the microphone from Minaj and offered reassuring words to calm the situation telling Minaj "I love you."

She proceeded to publicly support Minaj before the crowd.

Erika said, "You have to laugh about it. Truly, I have been called every single thing, and you know what? God is good."

Reassuring Minaj not to worry about the slip-up, she comforted her with, "You let it roll right off your back, and that is what’s so beautiful about this moment because if the internet wants to clip it, who cares?"

Erika further expressed her admiration, "I love this woman. She’s an amazing woman. She has a soul and a heart for the Lord, and words are words. But I know her heart and it doesn’t even matter."

After Erika’s comments, Minaj thanked her for always having her back and referred to her as 'sister.'