In a candid discussion on The Katie Miller Podcast, global music icon Nicki Minaj has opened up about the motivations behind her increasingly vocal support for former President Donald Trump. The 43-year-old rapper addressed the intense backlash she has faced, explaining that her political realignment stems from witnessing what she describes as relentless "bullying" directed at Trump during his presidential campaign.
A Personal Connection to Perceived Persecution
Minaj revealed that her shift towards conservative politics was not influenced by figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom or international affairs. Instead, she pointed to a deeply personal reaction to Trump's treatment. "Religious freedom is something that's very important to me," Minaj stated when questioned about her political leanings. "But if I'm being honest, President Trump … because when I saw how he was being treated over and over and over, I just couldn't handle it."
The artist elaborated on this emotional response, drawing parallels to her own experiences. "I felt that same, you know, a lot of that bullying in this man's campaign, and all of the lying," the mother-of-one claimed. "I felt that that had been done to me for so many years, and I was watching it in real time happen to someone else, and I didn't think he deserved it. And it made me think, I can't do this anymore."
A New Calling Beyond Music
During the interview with Katie Miller, a former Trump administration official married to senior adviser Stephen Miller, Minaj reflected on a long-held sense of purpose extending beyond her musical career. Miller prompted: "You've been recently very vocal about politics and social issues. Was there a specific moment that flipped the switch for you? What made you wake up, so-to-speak?"
"I think that peoples' steps are aligned..." Minaj began her response. "I had this strong premonition my whole life that I had a second job to do," the star admitted cryptically. She hinted at a transformative event, noting that "something happened a few months ago" and suggesting that "sometimes people can push you SO MUCH that they push you all the way into your next calling."
Grammy Controversy and Public Backlash
Minaj's remarks follow renewed scrutiny after the 2026 Grammy Awards, where host Trevor Noah targeted the rapper during his opening monologue. Noting her absence, Noah quipped, "Nicki Minaj is not here," before adding sarcastically, "She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues." He then launched into a Trump impersonation, joking about physical attributes in a mocking tone.
The following morning, Minaj fired back on social media platform X with a religiously charged statement: "As they do their ritual tonight, God almighty will reveal himself to them. The ritual will backfire on them. God will not be mocked. Blessed is the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. Every tongue that rises up against me in judgement shall be condemned & put to shame."
Doubling Down on Support
In recent weeks, Minaj has intensified her pro-Trump stance, even declaring herself his "number one fan." She appeared in Washington, DC at an event focused on Trump Accounts, where photographs captured her taking the former president's hand. "I am probably the president's No. 1 fan," Minaj announced from the podium at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. "And that's not going to change."
She asserted that criticism only strengthens her resolve and that of Trump's supporters. "We're not going to let them get away with bullying him, and, you know, the smear campaigns, it's not going to work, OK? He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him. Amen?" Trump responded off-microphone, telling the rapper, "That is so nice, thank you." As Minaj exited, they briefly held hands behind commentator Kevin O'Leary, creating a viral moment that reignited debate about their unexpected alliance.
Immigration Hypocrisy Allegations
Last month, Minaj faced significant backlash after fans resurfaced a years-old social media post in which she described coming to the United States illegally as a child. Critics highlighted the apparent contradiction between her past statements and her current praise for Trump's immigration policies, which have included family separation and mass deportation measures.
The controversy emerged following Minaj's appearance at a Turning Point USA event alongside conservative commentator Erika Kirk in December. Fans quickly circulated a 2018 Instagram post where Minaj condemned family-separation policies at the U.S.–Mexico border, writing: "I came to this country as an illegal immigrant @ 5 years old. I can't imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5. This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now?"
The post featured an image of children in a detention center, shared during widespread outrage over migrant family separations. This has led some fans to accuse Minaj, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Queens, New York, of being a "complete sellout." The criticism intensified as users contrasted her past words with her recent positive response to a clip promoting the SAVE Act, legislation aimed at preventing "illegal aliens" from voting.
Citizenship Questions and Feuds
In 2024, Minaj claimed during a TikTok Live that she is not a U.S. citizen, stating she had been in the States for many years and paid "millions of dollars" in taxes without receiving "honorary citizenship." Critics seized on this as evidence that Minaj is "an immigrant who only cares about money."
Additionally, Minaj has made headlines for her escalating feud with journalist Don Lemon. In January, she erupted on X after Lemon livestreamed a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators interrupted a service to condemn alleged church ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Minaj posted in all caps: "DON 'C**K SUCKIN' LEMON IS DISGUSTING... HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!!"
Lemon, who covered the protest related to a fatal shooting by an ICE agent, responded that he was "not surprised Nicki Minaj does not understand journalism." Appearing on the I've Had It podcast, Lemon called Minaj "ignorant," stating: "She doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She’s always weighing in on things that she doesn’t know about. Nicki Minaj should just sit the f**k down."
From Music to MAGA Movement
While not always openly Republican, Minaj has become a prominent supporter of the MAGA movement. In November, she thanked Trump for his "leadership" while speaking at the United Nations about alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, praising his administration's focus on religious freedom. This evolution from international music star to outspoken political figure continues to generate controversy and debate across media and fan communities.
