On December 21, Nicki Minaj surprised the public by taking the stage at AmericaFest, a conference organized by Turning Point USA, known for its ultra-conservative ideology. The event was promoted by Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, a regular figure in conservative political discourse in the United States.
During her intervention, the artist not only expressed her explicit support for President Donald Trump, but also shared reflections on gender identity that did not go unnoticed. His words, especially in relation to trans people and childhood, generated a rapid reaction on social networks.
Statements that lit up the networks
Minaj said she had “respect and admiration” for Trump, saying that his leadership had given hope to many people. As he explained, his political position comes from fatigue and a personal decision not to “give in anymore.”
However, it was another fragment of his speech that caused the greatest rejection. When talking about trans minors, he defended a binary vision of gender with phrases like “boys are boys,” a message that many interpreted as a denial of trans identities and, indirectly, as an attack on homosexual men.
Where is the line between personal opinion and collective harm? What responsibility do public figures have when they speak about realities that affect historically vulnerable communities?
Nicki Minaj being openly Transphobic on National TV.
“if you are born a Boy, be a boy, there is nothing wrong with being a boy how about that?” pic.twitter.com/qxTBsieSWT
— Red Media (@RedMedia_us) December 21, 2025
The reaction of the LGTBIQ+ community
The criticism did not take long to arrive. Part of his fan base—traditionally closely linked to the LGTBIQ+ community—expressed disappointment and anger. On social networks, many remembered that drag aesthetics and queer support were key in building his career, as well as his participation as a jury in RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2020.
Messages accusing her of “turning her back” on her own fandom multiplied, while others pointed out the contradiction between her artistic career and her presence at an event with a history of exclusive discourses.
Instagram on silence, X on pause
In the midst of this wave of negative comments and faced with the possible loss of followers, Nicki Minaj chose to deactivate her Instagram account. It is not the first time that he has made this decision temporarily, but the current context carries a special meaning.
Although her profile on X (formerly Twitter) is still active, the artist has not published anything since then, something unusual for her, known for her intense activity and frequent controversies on that platform.
Is this silence a way to protect yourself, to reflect or simply a strategy to let the storm pass?
