In an unexpected turn of events, rapper Nicki Minaj made an appearance at a conservative gathering in Arizona honoring the late activist Charlie Kirk. During her time on stage, she took the opportunity to commend President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, describing them as exemplary “role models” for young men.

Minaj participated in an interview at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention, conducted by Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk. The discussion centered on Minaj’s newfound support for Trump—a notable shift given her previous criticisms of him—and her outspoken stance against violence targeting Christians in Nigeria.

The rapper’s recent embrace of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement has generated buzz, especially since she was once a vocal critic of Trump. Her political views have often been seen as complex and not easily categorized.

Her presence at the flagship event of this influential conservative youth organization on Sunday (Monday AEST) might reinforce her emerging reputation as a supporter of the MAGA ideology.

Minaj also took a moment to deride California Governor Gavin Newsom, using the nickname “New-scum,” a moniker originally coined by Trump.

Newsom, a Democrat, has 2028 prospects.

Minaj expressed admiration for the Republican president and Vance, who received an endorsement from Erika Kirk despite the fact he has not said whether he would run for president.

Kirk took over as leader of Turning Point.

“This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them.

“Our vice president, he makes me … well, I love both of them,” Minaj said.

“Both of them have a very uncanny ability to be someone that you relate to.”

Minaj’s appearance included an awkward moment when, in an attempt to praise Vance’s political skills, she described him as an “assassin”.

She paused, seemingly regretting her word choice, and after Kirk appeared to wipe a tear from one of her eyes, the artist put her hand over her mouth while the crowd murmured.

“If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman,” said Erika Kirk, who became a widow when Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September.

Last month, the rapper shared a message posted by Trump on his Truth Social network about potential actions to sanction Nigeria, saying the government is failing to rein in the persecution of Christians in the West African country.

Experts and residents say the violence that has long plagued Nigeria isn’t so simply explained.

“Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God,” Minaj shared on X.

She was then invited to speak at a panel at the US mission to the United Nations along with US Ambassador Mike Waltz and faith leaders.

Minaj said she was tired of being “pushed around,” and said that speaking your mind with different ideas was controversial because “people are no longer using their minds.”

Kirk thanked Minaj for being “courageous,” despite the backlash she is receiving from the entertainment industry for expressing support for Trump.

“I didn’t notice,” Minaj said. “We don’t even think about them.”

Kirk then said “we don’t have time to. We’re too busy building, right?”

“We’re the cool kids,” Minaj said.

The Trinidadian-born rapper is best known for her hits Super Freaky Girl, Anaconda and Starships.

She has been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards over the course of her career.

In 2018, Minaj was one of several celebrities condemning Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy that split more than 5000 children from their families at the Mexico border.

Back then, she shared her own story of arriving to the country at five years old, describing herself as an “illegal immigrant.”

“This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now?” she posted then on Instagram.

On Sunday on stage with Erika Kirk, Minaj said, “it’s OK to change your mind.”