• Rapper praises VP as “amazing role model” before uttering tone-deaf remark at AmericaFest
• Erika Kirk gracefully deflects awkward moment just three months after husband’s assassination
• Minaj had previously used same term for Vance on social media earlier this month

PHOENIX, AZ (TDR) — Rapper Nicki Minaj triggered widespread backlash after referring to Vice President JD Vance as “an assassin” during a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on Sunday. The Nicki Minaj Vance assassin controversy erupted while she stood alongside Erika Kirk, the widow of the organization’s founder Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot by a sniper at a campus event just three months ago.

The 43-year-old rapper was fielding a question from Kirk about advice for young men when the moment went off the rails.

🚨HUGE BLUNDER: Nicki Minaj just referred to JD Vance as an “assassin” while speaking to Erika Kirk. Watch her completely squirm when she realizes what she said.

An absolutely massive fuckup caught live: pic.twitter.com/FGJO6xCo0Z

— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) December 21, 2025

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‘The Assassin JD Vance’ Remark Stuns Crowd

“Dear young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president,” Minaj began, praising Trump before adding: “And you have amazing role models like the assassin JD Vance, our vice president.”

A hush fell over the crowd of approximately 30,000 attendees as Minaj appeared to realize her word choice. She fell into uncharacteristic silence, seemingly understanding that attempting to walk back the comment might only make matters worse.

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Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when a gunman positioned on a rooftop shot him in the neck with a single bullet while he addressed a crowd of 3,000 people. Tyler James Robinson, 22, was later charged with aggravated murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

Erika Kirk Smooths Over Awkward Moment

After what observers described as feeling like “an eternity,” Erika Kirk swooped in to rescue Minaj from the cringe-worthy moment.

“Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard. You have to laugh about it, truly. This is what’s so beautiful about this moment because if the internet wants to clip it, who cares?”

Kirk, who assumed the role of Turning Point USA CEO following her husband’s death, continued defending the rapper: “I love this woman, she’s an amazing woman, she has a soul and a heart for the Lord, and words are words, but I know her heart.”

Minaj Previously Called Vance ‘Assassin’ Online

This was not the first time Minaj used the term for Vance on social media. On December 11, she posted on X: “But make no mistake, Vance is an assassin. Don’t debate him. On anything. Quick as a computer. Maybe quicker. He’s the best blend I’ve ever seen of us&them.”

The context suggests Minaj intended the slang meaning of “assassin”—someone exceptionally skilled or effective—rather than literally referencing political violence. However, critics argued she should have been more aware of her audience.

Vance himself has previously praised Minaj, posting “Nicki > Cardi” in response to a since-deleted post by the rapper that reportedly read “Vance > Rants.”

Minaj Doubles Down on Pro-Trump Stance

Beyond the viral gaffe, Minaj used her AmericaFest appearance to express admiration for Trump and attack California Governor Gavin Newsom, repeatedly calling him “Newscum.”

“I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” she told the crowd. “He’s given so many people hope that there is a chance to beat the bad guys and to win, and to do it with your head held high and your integrity intact.”

When asked about backlash from entertainment industry peers over her rightward political shift, Minaj dismissed critics. “I didn’t notice. We don’t even think about them. We’re the cool kids.”

Will Minaj’s faux pas overshadow her growing alliance with the MAGA movement, or will supporters simply move on?

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