Nicki Minaj has defended her decision to repost a message from U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing some LGBTQ+ fans of being “blinded” by their “personal obsession” with him. The rapper later deleted the comments after facing widespread backlash online.
Minaj had shared a screenshot from Trump’s Truth Social account addressing violence against Christians in Nigeria. Trump’s post read:
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN.’”
Reacting to Trump’s statement, Minaj wrote that the message gave her “a deep sense of gratitude” for living in a country “where we can freely worship God.” She added: “Thank you to The President & his team for taking this seriously.”
However, the post quickly drew anger from fans, particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community, who accused the rapper of overlooking Trump’s record on queer rights. One longtime supporter commented:
“Nicki, as a die-hard fan who’s stood by you through every scandal, your support for this loser might actually make me tap out. We live in a country that weaponizes religion to silence your gay fans.”
“You being gay couldn’t save me” — Minaj’s response sparks debate
Minaj responded in a now-deleted reply, writing:
“Imagine hearing that Christians are being MURDERED and making it about you being gay. When my home was swatted multiple times with my innocent toddler inside, with maybe 20 officers pointing guns at our home due to political corruption, you being gay couldn’t save me. Expecting someone to stay oppressed, abused, targeted, harassed, and consistently ignored by public figures who were supposed to be helping them says more about you than it does anyone else.”
She went on to clarify that her post had been misinterpreted, adding:
“Imagine hearing that Christians are being persecuted and not being able to have empathy for THEM because you are blinded by your own personal obsession with Trump. This says more about you than him, my darling.”
Fans divided over Minaj’s comments
While some users accused the rapper of endorsing Trump ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, others defended her right to highlight religious persecution. Minaj has previously criticized Trump’s immigration policies but has also said she refuses to join what she described as the “bandwagon” of hate directed at him.
Background: Religious violence in Nigeria
Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security crisis affecting both Christian and Muslim communities. The Middle Belt region has been a flashpoint for violence, where armed groups, including herder militias and Islamist insurgents, have repeatedly attacked farming villages.
In late October, Trump declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, citing what he described as a “mass slaughter” of Christians by “radical Islamists.”
However, the Nigerian government has rejected claims of targeted religious persecution, maintaining that the violence stems from broader issues of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflict rather than religion-based attacks.
