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Nicki Minaj has reignited debate about her political stance after publicly thanking President Donald Trump for his comments on religious persecution in Nigeria. Newsweek reached out to Minaj’s representative via email for comment on Monday outside regular working hours. Why It Matters With over 43.6 million views on her social media post, the 42-year-old rapper’s message has drawn significant attention to the intersection of celebrity, politics and human rights, particularly regarding claims of violence against Christians in one of Africa’s most populous nations. The note also raises underlying questions about the influence of artists in shaping public discourse on sensitive international issues and political figures as the U.S. approaches another pivotal election season. (L) Rapper Nicki Minaj attends the Oscar de la Renta front row during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Spring Studios Terrace on September 11, 2018 in New York City. (R) President Donald Trump talks to the media as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (not pictured) at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 28, 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland. What To Know On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social, labeling the situation for Christians in Nigeria as an “existential threat” and detailing that thousands were being killed by radical Islamists. He called for a congressional investigation and indicated willingness for the United States to take action if atrocities continued. Minaj responded on X, writing: “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion. We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other,” alongside a screenshot of Trump’s remarks, and thanked the president for addressing the issue. Her post provoked both support and criticism online from fans and public figures. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz thanked Minaj for using her platform on behalf of persecuted Christians and invited her to the U.S. Embassy in New York to discuss further, to which she said she would be “honored.” While Trump’s remarks about Nigeria align with positions taken by some Republican lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, and evangelical advocacy groups, Nigerian officials and major religious organizations dispute the narrative of a targeted “Christian genocide.” The Nigerian government maintains it addresses violence perpetrated by jihadist insurgents and ethnic militias against all communities, not solely Christians. Is Nicki Minaj Republican or Democrat? This incident is not Minaj’s first brush with political controversy. In 2012, she appeared to endorse Republican Mitt Romney in a lyric, rapping: “I’m a Republican, voting for Mitt Romney,” but later clarified her words were satire performed in character, and expressed support for then-President Barack Obama, The Guardian reported at the time. What People Are Saying Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wrote in a statement on X on November 1: “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions. The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians. Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.” Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani said on X: “I understand that Nigeria is among the 12 countries designated as one of particular Concern. The designation of Nigeria is founded on outright falsehoods and wholesale misinformation. Terrorists and bandits in Nigeria kill and kidnap their victims irrespective of their religious beliefs. The records are self evident in the last 15 years. Looking at the Muslim/Christian ratio in Nigeria, it’s technically impossible for one faith to persecute another. Nigeria is a Lion and Tiger situation and not a Lion and a Zebra configuration. Trump was misinformed by anarchists and lackeys and apprentices of neocolonialism who aimed to benefit from their seeds of division, divisiveness and discontent. This particular weapon raised against this country shall never prosper. Nigeria, like all nations battling terrorism, needs support and assistance to tackle its security challe...
