Nicki Minaj's Awkward Assassin Slip At Turning Point USA Event Sparks Viral Moment

Nicki Minaj surprised crowds at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest by praising President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance as role models for young men. A verbal slip during her onstage chat with Erika Kirk, widow of the late Charlie Kirk, turned heads when she called Vance an "assassin." Erika Kirk handled the gaffe with grace, turning potential embarrassment into a show of support.

The Event and Unexpected Guest Appearance

Turning Point USA held AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 21, 2025. This gathering marked the organization's first major summit since Charlie Kirk's assassination in September.​

Erika Kirk, now leading the group, introduced Minaj hand-in-hand to her hit "Super Bass." The rapper joined for a candid Q&A on faith, politics, and her shifting views.

Minaj's presence stood out. As a global rap icon, she brought star power to a conservative youth event focused on mobilizing voters.

The Gaffe That Stopped the Room

Minaj addressed young men in the audience directly. She highlighted Trump as "handsome" and "dashing," then praised Vance as a top role model.

Her exact words: "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." She paused, covered her mouth, and went silent as laughter rippled through the crowd.

The term hit hard given Charlie Kirk's death by shooting at a Turning Point event in Utah. Minaj meant "assassin" as slang for sharp or ruthless skill, common in hip-hop to describe elite performers.

Erika Kirk's Compassionate Response

Erika Kirk stepped in swiftly. "Trust me, there's nothing new under the sun that I haven't heard, so it's okay... I love you," she said.

She urged the crowd to laugh it off and added, "Say whatever you want to say, because I know your heart and I'm not going to judge you for it." Minaj thanked her and pressed on.

This exchange highlighted Kirk's resilience. Leading the organization amid grief, she showed empathy over judgment.

Minaj's Praise for Trump and Vance

Minaj called the administration "full of people with heart and soul." She positioned Trump and Vance as examples of strong leadership.

Her support marks a turnaround. In 2018, she criticized Trump's immigration policies on social media.

Minaj tied her stance to broader issues like violence against Christians in Nigeria, echoing Trump's recent posts. She stressed faith's role in youth empowerment.

Broader Context and Cultural Shifts

Minaj also fired at California Governor Gavin Newsom, dubbing him "Newscum" over transgender policies and other grievances. She read her tweets aloud, warning him directly.

Both women dismissed industry backlash. Minaj said she "didn't notice," while Kirk agreed they stay focused on building.

This moment signals pop culture's growing conservative crossovers. Minaj's platform amplifies messages on free speech and faith to millions.

Past clips resurfaced of Charlie Kirk calling her a poor role model. Yet Erika Kirk embraced the dialogue, prioritizing shared values.

Why This Matters for Fans and Politics

Celebrity endorsements shape youth views. Minaj's shift from critic to supporter shows how personal convictions evolve.

For Turning Point USA, her appearance boosts relevance beyond echo chambers. It draws in diverse audiences amid cultural divides.

The White House shared her clip, and Minaj reposted with affection. Such interactions blur entertainment and politics lines.

Readers see a reminder: Public figures navigate grief, gaffes, and growth publicly. Erika Kirk's poise offers a model for handling tough moments with kindness.