Nicki Minaj faces backlash after praising Donald Trump for addressing attacks on Christians in Nigeria
Nicki Minaj has stirred heated debate online after expressing strong support for former US President Donald Trump, applauding him for drawing global attention to the growing persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
While her remarks were meant to highlight a humanitarian crisis, the reaction from many Americans on X was swift and fierce, with critics accusing her of echoing Trump’s political messaging.
The rapper spoke at an event hosted by Ambassador Michael Waltz, where she openly admitted she was nervous before taking the stage.
During her speech, Minaj thanked Trump for “prioritising the crisis”, applauding him for calling for urgent international intervention to protect Christian communities facing extremist violence in parts of Nigeria.
She said she felt privileged to stand alongside diplomats, peace advocates and religious leaders working to raise awareness of the issue.
Calling herself a “proud New Yorker,” Minaj stressed that her message should not be mistaken for political endorsement, insisting, “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides. It is about uniting humanity.”
She lamented the rise in deadly attacks on Christian villages, the destruction of places of worship and the countless families displaced by violence.
“When any church, mosque, or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break,” she said.
She also used the moment to show love to her African supporters, joking that Nigeria is “a beautiful nation… with lots of beautiful Barbz I can’t wait to see.”
Despite her attempt to keep the issue non-political, Minaj has come under heavy criticism in the US.
Many online users argue that her remarks inadvertently bolster Trump’s agenda, while others question whether she fully grasps the political and security complexities surrounding Nigeria’s conflicts.