Grammy-winning rapper Nicki Minaj has taken the drastic step of deactivating her Instagram account, following a fierce backlash from fans over her surprise appearance and comments at a prominent conservative conference in the United States.
Surprise Appearance Sparks Controversy
The controversy erupted after Minaj made an unexpected appearance at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest 2026 summit. During a conversation with the organisation's contributor, Erika Kirk, the artist offered glowing praise for former President Donald Trump and his Vice President, JD Vance.
In remarks that stunned many of her followers, Minaj described Trump as "handsome" and "dashing," and expressed pride in his administration. This public endorsement marked a stark reversal from her previous critical stance towards the former president.
A Swift and Severe Fan Reaction
The reaction from her fanbase was swift and severe. Across social media platforms, many supporters accused her of shifting her political allegiance for financial gain, with numerous comments suggesting she had "picked the wrong side." The wave of criticism highlighted the deep divisions and strong feelings surrounding Trump's political brand.
In response to the mounting outrage, Minaj's primary Instagram account became unavailable to the public. While some observers noted she had temporarily deactivated the account in October 2025, its disappearance directly following the political firestorm strongly suggests a link to the backlash.
A Notable Reversal of Previous Stance
This new supportive position represents a significant U-turn for the artist. Minaj had previously been openly critical of Donald Trump, most notably in 2018 when she condemned his administration's immigration policy that led to the separation of children from their families at the US-Mexico border.
The incident underscores the intense scrutiny and potential professional risk facing celebrities who wade into the polarising world of US politics, where public alignment can quickly alienate segments of their audience.
