Nicki Minaj under fire as Lizzo, Khia, and Joe Budden react 2 her controversial Turning Point USA appearance
Nicki Minaj Faces Backlash after powerful reactions from Lizzo, Khia, and Joe Budden to Turning Point USA appearance.
Over the past week, Nicki Minaj has become a major topic of discussion in the music and pop culture world. Her appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix on December 21, 2025, sparked controversy and widespread backlash.
Fans, media outlets, and fellow celebrities weighed in on her political stance, making the rapper the center of heated conversations. For someone with deep roots in hip-hop and a massive influence in pop culture, this political pivot caught many off guard.
The rapper has been relatively quiet on social media recently. Her Instagram account has been deactivated since October 20, though her X account remains active. Despite this, Nicki Minaj continues to dominate headlines due to her support for former President Donald Trump and her involvement with right-wing political figures. The situation underscores how her influence extends far beyond music and into the broader cultural and political landscape.
While Nicki Minaj’s music career has been marked by chart-topping albums like Queen and hits like “Super Bass” and “Your Love,” her recent actions illustrate how celebrity decisions can spark complex debates about responsibility, culture, and politics. Fans and critics alike are analyzing how her public support for Trump aligns, or conflicts, with her established image in the rap and hip-hop world.
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Nicki Minaj is under fire after Turning Point USA appearance
During her Turning Point USA appearance, Nicki Minaj walked onstage with Erika Kirk, who became CEO of the organization after her husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated. When asked about her support for Trump, Nicki said:
“I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president. I don’t know if he even knows this, but he’s given so many people hope.”
On her political alignment, she explained:
“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 also made comments about California Governor Gavin Newsom, praised Trump as a “handsome” and “dashing” role model, and included Vice President JD Vance in her remarks. The comments ignited a flurry of responses across social media and within the hip-hop community.
Celebrity reactions to Nicki Minaj’s political moves
Khia’s reaction:
Khia was among the first to respond publicly to Nicki Minaj’s Turning Point USA appearance. She tweeted: “Guess you had to pretend to be Donald Du*p’s friend so he wouldn’t send your immigrant a back over there to Trinidad.”
Her comment highlighted the sharp criticism some artists feel when influential figures in hip-hop align with controversial political figures.
Lizzo’s reaction:
Lizzo approached the situation analytically, focusing on the broader implications of celebrity political influence rather than directly criticizing Nicki Minaj. She said:
“So I’m getting texts like about Nicki and I’m like what are you talking about? I didn’t even know then, you know, I researched and saw what was going on. And imma say it like this: celebrities’ opinions of other celebrities does not matter. It, I’m telling you it doesn’t matter so my opinion of her does not matter but what I will tell you is you’re about to see an influx of people who see that is more profitable and more beneficial to join that side.”
Lizzo emphasized that many celebrities might align with political figures for strategic reasons, highlighting the complex intersection of fame, finance, and influence.
Joe Budden’s reaction:
Joe Budden was the most vocal in his criticism. On his podcast, he stated:
“I’m out. I’m done, That was it. Sorry Barbz, sorry Nicki. Don’t call me. Don’t text me. It is what it is. Sometimes, how you move around out there does have an effect on how I view you. This was one of them things. I’d be a fool to think that you didn’t consider that before you did it, which just says to me that you don’t really give a f*ck.”
Budden called her Turning Point USA appearance “the last candle on the cake,” signaling a complete break from supporting Nicki Minaj professionally. His comments underscored how her political stance is influencing relationships within hip-hop and rap communities.
Even though Nicki Minaj’s Instagram was deactivated back on October 20, long before her Turning Point USA appearance, her X account continues to keep fans engaged. Clips of the event circulated widely online, accompanied by screenshots of celebrity reactions.
Despite rumors, there’s no verified evidence that she lost 10 million followers because of the TPUSA appearance. Fans shared a mix of disappointment over her political choices and support for her right to express her beliefs, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding her public persona.
The situation highlights the delicate balance celebrities navigate when blending entertainment influence with political expression. Nicki Minaj, known for songs like “Super Bass” and albums like Queen, now faces scrutiny that extends far beyond the music charts.
Nicki Minaj’s impact beyond music
Nicki Minaj’s influence goes beyond just hip-hop. Her Turning Point USA appearance illustrates how celebrities shape public perception, cultural debates, and political conversations. The strong reactions, from Khia’s sharp critique to Joe Budden’s complete disapproval, and Lizzo’s analytical take, show the wide range of opinions her decisions provoke in the entertainment world.
As Nicki Minaj continues to face backlash, her choices offer a lens into the responsibilities tied to massive platforms. Her actions demonstrate that celebrity influence is not limited to music and entertainment but also affects social discourse, cultural alignment, and public opinion.
Nicki Minaj remains a figure capable of driving discussion, whether in music, politics, or pop culture. With the ongoing debate over her political involvement, she exemplifies how a high-profile artist can spark dialogue and controversy that reaches far beyond the charts and social media trends.
