In a surprising shift from her previous stance, Nicki Minaj has embraced a full-throated support for Donald Trump, a move that raises eyebrows given her outspoken criticism of him in the past. Years ago, Minaj distanced herself from Trump, stating in 2020 that she had no interest in joining the “Trump bandwagon,” particularly after his administration’s controversial anti-immigration policies.
This weekend, Minaj publicly praised Trump during an interview with Erika Kirk at the Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention in Phoenix, Arizona. She described him as “handsome” and “dashing,” expressing admiration for him and Vice President JD Vance. “I love both of them,” she remarked, highlighting their relatable qualities.
Reflecting on her evolving views, Minaj’s relationship with Trump has been complex over the years. In a 2015 Billboard interview, she acknowledged some of Trump’s points while critiquing his childish approach, even finding him entertaining during his rise to fame. However, by 2016, her criticisms became sharper, as she rapped about her immigrant experience and denounced his policies. She was particularly vocal about the pain caused by the separation of families at the border.
Minaj’s perspective appeared to change significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she gained attention for controversial statements about the vaccine, attracting support from anti-vaccine groups. This year, she has shared content from the White House, aligning herself with Trump’s agenda, including anti-trans and anti-immigration messaging. Her recent posts have also touched on issues relating to Christians in Nigeria, a cause she felt compelled to support due to her fan base there.
As Minaj’s political alignment aligns her with the MAGA movement, some of her longtime fans have begun to distance themselves from her, expressing their discontent across social media platforms like TikTok. Despite her controversial pivot, Minaj joins other artists who have chosen to support Trump, suggesting a growing trend of musicians playing into the political arena. While this newfound support has caused some backlash, it also reflects a changing landscape in celebrity politics, where personal beliefs can lead to significant shifts in public perception.
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