A video clip featuring rapper Nicki Minaj at a major conservative convention in the United States has ignited a social media storm. The incident occurred when Minaj, during a surprise appearance, used the word 'assassin' to describe Vice President JD Vance, creating an intensely awkward moment.
An Awkward Moment on Stage
The scene unfolded on Sunday at the Turning Point USA's AmericaFest convention in Arizona. Nicki Minaj was being interviewed on stage by Erika Kirk, the widow of the late activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September. While expressing her admiration for former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Minaj's word choice caused a major stir.
"You have amazing role models, like the assassin JD Vance, our vice president," the Grammy-nominated artist stated. She immediately paused, seemingly realizing the unfortunate implication of her words given the context of standing beside a recent assassination victim's widow. Minaj briefly covered her mouth with her hand before attempting to laugh off the remark.
Erika Kirk handled the situation gracefully, attempting to defuse the tension by saying she wouldn't mind if the clip was shared online. "I love this woman," Minaj responded, praising Kirk's faith and character.
Social Media Erupts in Disbelief
The exchange spread like wildfire across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Many users expressed sheer disbelief, calling the situation 'surreal' and comparing it to a sketch from Saturday Night Live. One widely circulated post questioned, "How is this not an SNL skit?"
Reactions were mixed. Some defended Minaj, suggesting she had simply chosen her words poorly and noting that 'assassin' is sometimes used in slang to mean someone who is impressively formidable or skilled. However, critics were quick to label the moment as deeply uncomfortable and ill-judged, especially considering the sensitive setting and Erika Kirk's personal tragedy.
A Notable Political Shift for the Rapper
Minaj's appearance at the event highlighted her increasingly public alignment with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. This marks a significant shift from her past criticisms of Donald Trump. Back in 2018, she had condemned his administration's immigration policies and even shared her own experiences as an undocumented migrant in her youth.
During her speech, she directly addressed this change of heart, telling the audience, "it's OK to change your mind." Beyond the viral moment, she also mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom using a nickname popularized by Trump and spoke about religious persecution in Nigeria, an issue she has recently highlighted online.
The event underscored how celebrity endorsements and unexpected appearances continue to shape political narratives, often leading to moments that capture the internet's attention for days.
