Nicki Minaj’s social media presence vanished this week, setting off speculation after her controversial appearance at a Turning Point USA event ignited widespread backlash.
The 43-year-old rapper deleted her Instagram account shortly after taking the stage Sunday at AmericaFest in Phoenix, where she participated in a sit-down conversation with Erika Kirk, the widow of political activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September.
According to the New York Post, following the appearance, Minaj’s account dropped by nearly 10 million followers before disappearing entirely.
While the sudden exit alarmed fans, longtime followers were quick to note that Minaj has periodically deactivated her Instagram in the past, including as recently as October.
Minaj’s appearance at the conservative conference drew immediate attention for its political tone. Speaking to Kirk, she encouraged young men to model themselves after President Donald Trump, praising his resilience and public persona.
“He has given so many people hope that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys and to win and to do it with your head held high,” Minaj said of the president.
She also highlighted what she described as similarities between herself and Trump, noting their shared upbringing in Queens, New York.
“What it’s shown me, personally, is sometimes even in the worst feeling times in your life, you think you’re never going to come back from it. But you do. And our president shows that,” she said. “He’s been through every single thing a person can be through publicly – having to constantly be lied [about].”
Minaj did not shy away from attacking political opponents, taking direct aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Don’t be Newscum,” she told the crowd, later reading aloud her own social media posts criticizing the governor.
“Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids,” Minaj said. “Not even a trans adult would run on that. Normal adults want to see happy, safe kids.”
She also addressed her faith and global religious persecution, referencing violence against Christians in Nigeria.
“We won’t be silenced ever again; we will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world,” she said.
Minaj framed the backlash as irrelevant, dismissing critics during the onstage discussion.
“I didn’t notice,” she said when asked about pushback. “We’re the cool kids. The other people, they’re the others that are still just disgruntled.”
“In a world that doesn’t want us to think, we will think,” she added.
The moment that drew audible murmurs from the crowd came when Minaj awkwardly referred to JD Vance as “the assassin,” quickly correcting herself. Kirk’s husband had been killed earlier this year, making the phrasing particularly jarring.
Turning Point leadership later brushed off the moment with humor, signaling no offense was taken.
In the aftermath of Minaj’s appearance, fans resurfaced old tweets from Cardi B that appeared critical of Minaj, adding fuel to the online reaction. Screenshots of the posts circulated widely on Tuesday, reigniting long-running tensions between the two artists.
Minaj has not commented publicly on deleting her Instagram, and it remains unclear when — or if — the account will return.
