Nicki Minaj’s Surprise Appearance at Turning Point USA Highlights Cultural Shift in Conservative Strategy

2025-12-21 politics

Phoenix, Monday, 22 December 2025.
Minaj’s December 21 AmericaFest appearance signaled a conservative cultural shift, though her praise of JD Vance as an “assassin” proved awkward just months after founder Charlie Kirk’s murder.

Unconventional Alliances and Audience Growth

On Sunday, December 21, the convergence of chart-topping hip-hop and conservative populism took center stage at the Phoenix Convention Center [2][3][6]. Nicki Minaj, a twelve-time Grammy nominee, joined Erika Kirk at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, branding the conservative activist base as “the cool kids” and urging attendees to stand firm in their convictions [1][3]. The event underscored the organization’s expanding reach, with attendance surging to 30,000 this year compared to 21,000 at the previous annual gathering [6]. This represents a significant year-over-year increase of 42.857 percent, reflecting a robust consolidation of the movement’s youth demographic despite recent leadership tragedies [6].

The “Assassin” Gaffe and Political Context

While the appearance was intended to galvanize support, it was marked by a jarring rhetorical slip. In an attempt to praise JD Vance’s political acumen, Minaj referred to the Vice President as “the assassin JD Vance” [3][5]. The choice of words landed awkwardly given the somber context surrounding the event; Erika Kirk’s husband and the organization’s founder, Charlie Kirk, was killed by a sniper approximately three and a half months prior, in September 2025 [3][6]. Despite the unintentional insensitivity of the phrasing, Minaj maintained her supportive stance, expressing “utmost respect and admiration” for President Trump and framing the current administration as figures who provide hope to the electorate [2][3].

Cultural Warfare and the 2028 Horizon

Minaj’s rhetoric extended beyond endorsements, diving into specific cultural and political skirmishes. She directed sharp criticism toward California Governor Gavin Newsom, referring to him as “New-scum” and “Gavie poo” while mocking his stance on transgender rights [1][4]. Reading from her past social media posts, she ridiculed the concept of running a campaign focused on “trans kids,” asserting that adults prioritize “healthy, safe, happy kids” instead [2][4]. This cultural offensive aligns with the broader strategy of the “Make America Great Again” movement as it looks toward a post-Trump future. Erika Kirk explicitly endorsed JD Vance for a potential 2028 presidential bid during the convention, signaling a desire to cement his status as the movement’s heir apparent [1][7]. Vance, in his closing speech, reinforced this “big tent” approach by advocating for open debate and rejecting identity politics, stating that Americans no longer need to “apologize for being white” [3][7].

Sources

US Politics Celebrity Endorsements