When Nicki Minaj stepped onstage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, it wasn’t a planned rollout or a carefully managed moment. It was unexpected, unfiltered, and instantly controversial.
Appearing alongside Erika Kirk, Nicki Minaj spoke openly about politics, praised Donald Trump, criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, and voiced frustration with what she described as forced political conformity in entertainment. The crowd reacted positively. The internet did not.
Clips from the appearance spread quickly, and reactions split just as fast. Some fans applauded her for saying what others in the industry avoid. Others accused her of aligning with figures they felt conflicted with her past messaging and audience.
Then came the moment everyone replayed. During the onstage conversation, Nicki misspoke and referred to Vice President JD Vance as an “assassin.” The slip was immediate and uncomfortable, especially given the current political climate. Erika Kirk handled it calmly, but online, the clip took on a life of its own.
Not long after, Nicki’s Instagram account went dark.
Didn’t have a clue. Carry on. https://t.co/k4D0d9ZXdt
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) December 21, 2025
No goodbye post. No explanation. Just gone.
While Instagram disappeared, Nicki remained active on X, where she reshared clips from the event and brushed off criticism without directly addressing the account shutdown. As of now, she has not explained why she deactivated Instagram or whether it is permanent.
