Nicki Minaj’s stunning political evolution from hip-hop royalty to one of President Donald Trump’s most vocal celebrity backers has captivated audiences worldwide. This transformation reached its peak at the recent Trump Accounts Summit, where she boldly declared herself the president’s top supporter. Her journey reflects broader tensions in music, politics, and culture.
Trump Accounts Summit Spotlight
Nicki Minaj made headlines on January 28, 2026, at the Treasury Department’s Trump Accounts Summit in Washington, D.C. She appeared in a striking white shaggy coat, sharing the stage with President Trump and Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary against a “TrumpAccounts.gov” backdrop. In a freestyle verse, Nicki Minaj proclaimed, “I’m probably the president’s No. 1 fan, and that is unlikely to change,” he stated, disregarding critics by saying, “The negativity or opinions of others do not impact me whatsoever.”
The Trump Accounts program aims to deposit $1,000 into savings accounts for every U.S. child born from 2025 to 2028 during Trump’s second term. Nicki Minaj elevated her support by pledging $150,000 to $300,000 to fund accounts for her fans, turning endorsement into action. President Trump reciprocated, praising her as a longtime supporter and joking about growing his nails like hers, highlighting their mutual admiration.
Nicki Minaj’s Political Realignment Timeline
Nicki Minaj’s support for Trump marks a sharp departure from her past. In 2018, she criticized his immigration policies, citing her own family’s experience as immigrants from Trinidad and Tobago. She rapped lines like “Island girl, Donald Trump want me go home” in tracks protesting family separations at the border.
Her views shifted notably during the COVID-19 era. In 2021, Nicki Minaj questioned vaccines on social media, sharing unverified claims about side effects that drew rebuttals from experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci. This positioned her alongside conservative skeptics, foreshadowing her MAGA alignment.
By late 2025, Nicki Minaj praised Trump’s stance on Nigerian religious persecution, appearing with UN Ambassador Mike Waltz on November 18. At Turning Point USA’s America Fest, she addressed Erika Kirk—widow of assassinated commentator Charlie Kirk—praising VP JD Vance in an awkward moment that fueled online debate.
Estrangement from Rap’s New Guard
Nicki Minaj faces challenges staying relevant in hip-hop amid rising stars. Despite 12 Grammy nominations, she remains winless—a point critics highlight. Megan Thee Stallion won multiple Grammys from her nods, Lizzo secured four from 13 including Album of the Year contention, and Doechii claimed Best Rap Album in 2025 for “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” joining Lauryn Hill and Cardi B as the only female winners.
Her album “Pink Friday 2,” released in 2023, seems remote in the fast-paced world of rap. With no new major release announced, Nicki Minaj’s cultural footprint shrinks as peers dominate charts and awards.
| Artist | Grammy Wins | Key Achievements | Nicki Minaj Comparison |
| Megan Thee Stallion | Numerous | Hot 100 #1 hits | Direct competitor, younger audience |
| Lizzo | 4 | Album of the Year noms | Broader appeal, consistent wins |
| Doechii | 1 (Best Rap Album) | 2025 breakthrough | Third female rap album winner |
| Cardi B | 1 (Best Rap Album) | Invasion of Privacy success | Longtime adversary |
The Explosive Megan Thee Stallion Feud
Nicki Minaj’s rivalry with Megan Thee Stallion exemplifies her rap struggles. They collaborated on 2019’s “Hot Girl Summer,” but tensions erupted when Megan teamed with Cardi B on 2020’s “WAP.” Nicki Minaj unfollowed Megan in 2021, signaling war.
Megan’s January 26, 2024, track “Hiss” topped the Hot 100, with lyrics “mad at Megan’s Law” perceived as shading Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty—a registered Level 2 sex offender convicted of attempted rape in 1995 and later sentenced for registration failure. Named after 1994 victim Megan Kanka, the law mandates offender disclosure.
Nicki Minaj fired back with “Big Foot,” referencing Megan’s mother’s 2019 death and Tory Lanez shooting incident. The beef reignited in July 2025 when a judge advanced a Roc Nation lawsuit against Megan; Nicki Minaj posted taunts like “Karma’s Law?” on Instagram.
Nicki Minaj’s brother Jelani Maraj adds controversy, serving 25 years to life for raping an 11-year-old.
Fanbase Fractures and Barbz Backlash
Nicki Minaj’s “Barbz” fan army shows division. Her Trump support led to massive follower losses, with “Edgy Barbz” criticizing her online. Azealia Banks called it “dolphin tricks for the Barbz,” questioning her relevance.
Some loyalists focus on rumored March 2026 album drops, but many reassess amid her political stances. Social metrics show declines rivaling other Trump-opposing artists like Cardi B.
LGBTQ+ Allyship Under Scrutiny
Nicki Minaj built fame championing LGBTQ+ fans, collaborating with Kim Petras and praising gay men’s role in her success. Yet her Trump backing contradicts administration policies on transgender rights and protections.
Recent attacks on California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s trans youth support drew backlash. Posts mocking “trans kids” alienated former allies, highlighting a stark reversal.
Hip-Hop’s Political Landscape
Nicki Minaj bucks hip-hop’s Democratic lean. Stars like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lizzo backed Kamala Harris in 2024. Trump allies like Lil Wayne sought pardons, unlike Nicki Minaj’s organic support.
Her stance makes her Trump’s rare A-list apostle in a hostile industry.
Future Prospects for Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj eyes a 2026 album to reclaim rap ground, but politics may overshadow music. Her Trump loyalty offers new relevance amid industry rejection.
This pivot reshapes her legacy—from “Super Bass” icon to political lightning rod.