Model and media personality Amber Rose has publicly defended her longtime friend Nicki Minaj following the rapper's controversial appearance at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest event, where Minaj expressed strong support for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. In an interview with TMZ reporters on December 23, 2025, Rose, a vocal Trump supporter herself, argued that Minaj is entitled to her political opinions in a free country and questioned the intense criticism directed at her.
"We live in a free country; she has the right to her own political opinion, just like everyone else does," Rose stated. She emphasized that Minaj "did nothing wrong" by sharing her views and praised the rapper's sit-down discussion with Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA and widow of the organization's late founder Charlie Kirk, describing it as outstanding. "She did a great job," Rose added enthusiastically.
Minaj's surprise appearance at AmericaFest in Phoenix on December 21, 2025, marked a high-profile endorsement of the Trump administration. During the onstage conversation with Kirk, Minaj praised Trump as giving people "hope" and called him a figure who demonstrates resilience. She also referred to Trump and Vance as "handsome" and "dashing" role models for young men, while encouraging boys to embrace traditional masculinity with comments like "Boys, be boys. It’s okay, be boys. There’s nothing wrong with being a boy." The event drew cheers from the conservative audience but sparked significant backlash online, particularly from Minaj's large LGBTQ+ fanbase, who criticized her alignment with a administration perceived as unsupportive of queer and trans rights.
Addressing this specific concern, Rose pushed back strongly: "She didn’t say anything wrong, she didn’t say anything about the LGBTQ+ community at all." Rose questioned why the Trump administration is frequently labeled as "homophobic," citing her own diverse circle of friends. "Why does anybody think that anybody over there [in the Trump administration] is homophobic? I'm not homophobic. My assistant has been with me for eleven years, he's black and gay. I have a bunch of trans friends. So does Nicki. I don't know why people twist our words or think that because we endorse Trump that we just hate gay people and trans people. It's just not true."
Rose's defense comes amid Minaj's evolving political stance. The Trinidad-born rapper, known for hits like "Anaconda" and "Super Bass," has shifted from past criticisms of Trump—such as condemning family separations at the border in 2018 and vaccine-related comments—to open admiration in recent months. At AmericaFest, Minaj also mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom over his support for transgender youth protections and read aloud her critical X posts about him. An awkward moment occurred when Minaj praised Vance as an "assassin" for his political prowess, unaware of the sensitivity given Kirk's husband was assassinated in September 2025; Kirk quickly reassured her it was fine.
Minaj's pro-Trump comments have divided fans and the hip-hop community. Some praise her for speaking freely, while others accuse her of alienating core supporters, including many in the LGBTQ+ community who have long celebrated her as an icon. Vice President JD Vance referenced Minaj positively during his AmericaFest speech, aligning with her views on gender and DEI initiatives.
Amber Rose, 42, has been an outspoken Trump supporter since endorsing him ahead of the 2024 election, even speaking at the Republican National Convention. Her friendship with Minaj dates back years, and she made clear her unwavering support: "Looks like Amber’s more than happy to go full cheerleader for her MAGA BFF," as TMZ noted.
This exchange highlights growing intersections between celebrity culture and politics, with figures like Minaj and Rose using their platforms to challenge mainstream narratives. As backlash continues on social media, both women remain unapologetic, framing their views as part of free expression in America.
The controversy underscores debates over celebrity political endorsements, especially when they contrast with perceived fanbase values. Minaj has not directly responded to the latest criticism but has previously dismissed detractors with posts like "STAY MAD."
