Nicki Minaj has elaborated on her embrace of MAGA politics and support for former President Donald Trump, revealing that her shift was driven by frustration with Barack Obama's presidency and a long-standing rivalry with rapper Jay-Z.
Conservative Leanings and Fear of Alienation
In an interview with Time magazine, Minaj stated that she has felt conservative for some time but previously feared alienating fans by expressing it publicly. She described a primary catalyst for her political evolution as dissatisfaction with the Obama administration, including what she perceived as an unspoken expectation for Black entertainers to support the Democratic Party.
Jay-Z's Influence on Obama and the Music Industry
Minaj also cited Obama's friendship with Jay-Z, with whom she has a long-standing rivalry. She claimed that Jay-Z's influence negatively impacted both Obama and the music industry. Referring to a 2024 Obama speech where he suggested some Black male voters were uncomfortable with a woman in power, Minaj noted that many Black men felt unheard by those remarks.
Parallels with Trump's Treatment
Minaj revealed that she felt pro-Trump after observing how he was treated, drawing parallels to her own experiences with what she described as 'bullying' and 'smear campaigns'. She stated that she has 'never felt happier' since publicly supporting him, after declaring herself to be his 'number one fan' back in January.
