Nicki Minaj Calls JD Vance 'the Assassin' Onstage with Charlie Kirk’s Widow Erika, then Goes Silent
- - Nicki Minaj Calls JD Vance 'the Assassin' Onstage with Charlie Kirk’s Widow Erika, then Goes Silent
Meredith KileDecember 23, 2025 at 12:30 AM
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Nicki Minaj and Erika Kirk had an awkward onstage moment during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest convention over the weekend
During their sitdown, Minaj praised President Donald Trump, calling him "handsome," and referred to Vice President JD Vance as an "assassin"
After making the comment, Minaj went silent, seemingly regretting her choice of phrasing in front of the widow of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September
Nicki Minaj had an unfortunate gaffe while speaking at Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest event over the weekend.
The rapper took the stage with Erika Kirk to close the convention in Phoenix on Sunday, Dec. 21. The pair walked out hand in hand before sitting down for a conversation about politics, religion and more.
Minaj, 43, surprised some by sharing her praise for President Donald Trump and his administration. She addressed the crowd, saying, "Dear young men, you have amazing role models, like our handsome, dashing president. And you have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president."
After making the statement, the rapper stumbled, seeming to realize what she said. She went silent for a long beat, covering her mouth with her hand in shock.
Caylo Seals/Getty
Erika Kirk and Nicki Minaj at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest conference on Dec. 21, 2025
Erika, 37, was gracious in the wake of the slip, telling Minaj, "Trust me, there's nothing new under the sun that I have not heard."
Minaj stayed silent for a moment longer, then emotionally told Erika, "I love you."
The TPUSA head returned the sentiment, adding, "You have to laugh about it. Truly, I have been called every single thing. And you know what? God is so good."
Erika became the CEO of Turning Point after her husband, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed during a TPUSA event on the campus of Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. He was 31.
At this year's AmericaFest event, one of the main attractions was a photo op inside a recreation of the booth where Charlie was murdered.
Minaj's appearance at the conservative event may have come as a surprise for some; however, the rapper hasn't been shy about sharing her admiration for Trump and his administration in recent months.
"I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president," she told Erika. "I don’t know if he even knows this, but he’s given so many people hope."
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Of her decision to support Trump, Minaj said she "just got tired of being pushed around."
"I have something inside of me that’s stronger than what’s out there. So when you’ve had enough, you realize, 'Wait a minute, why do I even care about these people and what they think? Who are they?' They don’t even know who they are. So I’m not going to back down anymore. I’m not going to back down ever again," she continued.
Last month, the "Super Bass" performer thanked Trump as she delivered a speech to the United Nations about religious violence in Nigeria.
Minaj began her remarks on Nov. 18 by saying, "I would like to thank President Trump for prioritizing this issue and his leadership on the global stage in calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria and to combat extremism and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to express their natural right to freedom of religion or belief."
“Music has taken me around the globe. I have seen how people, no matter their language, culture or religion, come alive when they hear a song that touches their soul," she continued. "Religious freedom means we all can sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we believe. But today, faith is under attack in way too many places.”
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
