Nicki Minaj goes silent after awkward slip while…

Nicki Minaj goes silent after awkward slip while praising JD Vance on stage with Erika Kirk

Nicki Minaj found herself momentarily speechless after an awkward slip of the tongue while praising Vice President JD Vance during a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

The hip-hop star joined conservative commentator Erika Kirk on stage Sunday as a special guest, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. As Minaj spoke enthusiastically about the Trump administration, she complimented Donald Trump, calling him “handsome” and “dashing,” before turning her attention to the vice president.

“And you have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president. And when I say that—” Minaj said, abruptly stopping mid-sentence. Realizing the mistake, Minaj visibly winced, raised her hand to her mouth, and closed her eyes as laughter rippled through the audience, according to audio aired by Fox News.

Nicki Minaj’s AmericaFest appearance takes unexpected turn After verbal misstep. (Photo by Getty Images)

The comment was particularly ill-timed, coming just three months after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event in Utah. Minaj then stood silently for nearly a minute as she appeared to collect herself. Kirk, who was standing beside her, quickly stepped in to defuse the moment and move the program forward.

“Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you’re fine,” Kirk told her. She then leaned over, briefly pulled the microphone away, and added, “I love you.” Kirk went on to reassure the audience and publicly defend Minaj, urging them not to dwell on the slip.

“You have to laugh about it. Truly, I have been called every single thing, and you know what? God is good. You let it roll right off your back, and that is what’s so beautiful about this moment, because if the internet wants to clip it, who cares?” Kirk said. “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, and it doesn’t even matter.”

WATCH — @NICKIMINAJ refers to JD Vance as an “assassin” when talking about what great role models and how handsome he and Trump are … then realizes she’s on stage with Erika Kirk, who tries to save her pic.twitter.com/4zmeZ3fgg0
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) December 21, 2025

Minaj thanked her “sister” for stepping in and having her back as the crowd applauded. The rapper has increasingly waded into political commentary in recent months, often criticizing Democrats. During the same appearance, she took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, referring to him as “Newscum,” echoing a nickname frequently used by Trump.

Shortly after Minaj and Kirk exited the stage, Vance addressed the crowd, declaring that the Trump administration had “relegated DEI to the dustbin of history.” He added that “you don’t have to apologize for being white anymore,” and said Asian Americans “don’t have to talk around your skin color when you’re applying for college.”

The moment quickly spread online, becoming one of the most talked-about clips from the conference, blending celebrity, politics, and an uncomfortable on-stage misstep.