Nicki Minaj says ‘faith is under attack’ as she thanks Trump in UN speech
WASHINGTON, DC: Rapper Nicki Minaj delivered a passionate address at the United Nations condemning what she called escalating religious violence in Nigeria and thanking President Donald Trump for prioritizing the issue globally.
The remarks, delivered at a special event moderated by Fox News’ Harris Faulkner, highlighted her concerns about Christian persecution and a “resurgence” of faith among young Americans.
During her speech, Minaj praised Trump for his “leadership on the global stage” and his calls to defend Christians in Nigeria.
“I would like to thank President Trump for prioritizing this issue … calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria and to combat extremism,” she said. “Faith is under attack in way too many places.”
She described her decision to speak as neither partisan nor divisive. “My decision … is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity,” Minaj insisted. “It’s about what I’ve always stood for my entire career, and I will continue to stand for that for the rest of my life.”
Nicki Minaj calls for political action to stop attacks on Christians in Nigeria
The "Barbie World" artist did not mince words as she outlined her concerns about violence in Nigeria. “Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed,” she said.
Nicki Minaj warns ‘faith is under attack’ as she thanks Donald Trump in powerful UN address on Nigeria violence
“Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear … simply because of how they pray.” She urged political leaders, especially in Nigeria, to intervene and protect religious minorities.
Nicki Minaj stresses her plea is about faith, not politics
As part of her address, Minaj emphasized that her appearance should not be read as a political power play.
“It is about uniting humanity,” she told the audience. She argued that religious freedom transcends party lines: “Religious freedom means we all can sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we believe.”
The rapper said her global music career has shown her firsthand how deeply belief resonates across cultures. “I have seen how people, no matter their language, culture or religion, come alive when they hear a song that touches their soul,” she said.
A surprising alignment with Trump
Minaj’s appearance and her explicit thanks to Trump marks a notable convergence with conservative political voices. White House and conservative commentators have celebrated her remarks. Ambassador Michael Waltz praised Minaj on X, calling her a “principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.”
In response, Minaj thanked Waltz and said she would not bow out of speaking up: “We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose.”
Violence in Nigeria and US planning
Minaj’s comments come amid increasing global concern over violence targeting Christians in Nigeria. Previously, media reports have documented kidnappings, attacks on churches, and forced conversions. The Associated Press reported that in November 2024, gunmen abducted dozens of villagers, including children, and two hostages were killed. According to survivors, some were pressured to renounce their faith.
On the US side, Trump has previously labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and claimed there is an “existential threat” against Christianity there. As of Monday, Nov 17, the State Department told the AP that the US “stands ready, willing, and able to act” in Nigeria.
