• Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona.
• She praised Donald Trump and JD Vance, diverging from her previous political stance.
• Minaj's remarks about gender roles sparked backlash from critics.
• She used a derogatory nickname for California Governor Gavin Newsom during her speech.
• The rapper emphasized the importance of traditional masculinity, stating "Boys will be boys."

Nicki Minaj captivated the audience with her surprise appearance at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Arizona, where she engaged in a conversation with Erika Kirk, the widow of late activist Charlie Kirk. During the event, Minaj expressed admiration for former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, considering them role models for young men. She stated, "He has given so many people hope that there is a chance to beat the bad guys," while also mocking California Governor Gavin Newsom, whom she referred to as "Newscum," echoing Trump's derogatory nickname for him, according to India Times, Los Angeles Times, and SFGate.

Minaj's remarks marked a notable shift in her political stance, as she previously criticized Trump. Her recent praise for MAGA figures without any qualifiers piqued interest within the conservative community, signaling her willingness to align with right-wing politics. At the event, she encouraged young boys to embrace their masculinity, stating, "Boys will be boys, and there's nothing wrong with that," a sentiment that reverberated with attendees and sparked discussions around gender roles, according to India Times and India Times.

However, Minaj’s comments were met with backlash, particularly her "boys will be boys" remark, which critics labeled as insensitive to gender issues. As her conservative sentiments emerged, backlash from her previous supporters highlighted divisions within her fanbase, with many expressing disappointment in her newfound political alignment. Critics remarked on her past associations while defending violent abusers, contributing to a culture-war moment framed by ongoing discussions around gender and sexuality, according to India Times and Los Angeles Times.

Minaj’s shift towards the MAGA movement indicates a broader trend in which popular cultural figures are redefining their political stances within influential conservative spaces. Her appearance at the AmericaFest serves as an example of how pop culture can intersect with political ideologies and motivate conversations around public perception and leadership. While not detailing specific policies, her enthusiastic support for Trump and Vance resonated with attendees, signaling a cultural crossover that organizations like Turning Point USA could leverage to enhance their relevance among younger audiences, as highlighted by SFGate and India Times.