Nicki Minaj Deactivates Instagram Following AmericaFest Controversy
Hip-hop icon Nicki Minaj has seemingly withdrawn from social media after her recent participation in Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest ignited a firestorm of online debate. As of Wednesday, December 24, the “Pink Friday” rapper’s Instagram account has been deactivated, leaving fans and critics met with the platform’s standard “page isn’t available” error message.
The sudden digital disappearance follows her December 21 appearance in Phoenix, where she sat for an interview with Erika Kirk, wife of the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The high-profile sit-down quickly became a lightning rod for criticism across social media platforms.
During the conversation, Minaj expressed her admiration for the current administration, describing President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance as “amazing role models.” However, the interview took an awkward turn when Minaj inadvertently referred to Vance as an “assassin.” The verbal gaffe was a likely confusion regarding the tragic September 10 death of Charlie Kirk, which Utah Governor Spencer Cox previously labeled a “political assassination.”
Minaj realized the slip-up almost immediately, but Erika Kirk was quick to offer comfort, telling the rapper, “Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard. So you’re fine. I love you.”
Defenses and Political Shifts
In the wake of the event, model and personality Amber Rose stepped forward to defend Minaj against accusations that her political alignment might alienate the LGBTQ+ community. Speaking with TMZ, Rose dismissed the backlash as unfounded. “She didn’t say anything about the LGBTQ+ community at all,” Rose stated, emphasizing that both she and Minaj have long-standing ties and friendships within the community.
Vice President JD Vance also took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise a specific sentiment shared by Minaj during the conference. “Nicki Minaj said something at Amfest that was really profound,” Vance wrote. He paraphrased her argument that uplifting the beauty of Black girls does not require the disparagement of those with different features, such as “blonde hair and blue eyes.”
This appearance at AmericaFest marks a continuing trend of political engagement for Minaj. In recent months, she has become increasingly vocal about global issues, including the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria—a cause that led to her addressing a United Nations event this past November.
Representatives for Minaj have not yet commented on whether the Instagram deactivation is a temporary hiatus or a more permanent departure from the platform.
