Rapper Nicki Minaj has responded to criticism from LGBTQ+ fans after sharing a social media post praising U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement about violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Minaj reposted a message from Trump’s Truth Social platform in which he condemned attacks on Christians, declaring Nigeria a “country of particular concern.” 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.”
Reacting to the post, Minaj expressed gratitude, writing that it made her feel thankful to live in a nation “where we can freely worship God.” She added, “Thank you to the President & his team for taking this seriously.”
However, her remarks drew sharp criticism from some fans, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, who accused her of overlooking Trump’s track record on queer rights. One long-time fan wrote: “Nicki, as a die-hard fan who’s supported you through every scandal, this is disappointing. We live in a country where religion is weaponized against your gay fans.”
Minaj fired back in a response she later deleted, saying, “Imagine hearing that Christians are being murdered and making it about you being gay. When my home was swatted multiple times with my toddler inside due to political corruption, you being gay couldn’t save me.”
She continued, arguing that some fans were “blinded by their personal obsession with Trump,” insisting her post was about empathy, not politics. “Imagine hearing that Christians are being persecuted and not being able to have empathy for them,” she added.
While critics saw her remarks as an endorsement of Trump ahead of the 2024 election, Minaj has previously expressed mixed views about the former president—criticizing his immigration stance but rejecting what she called the “bandwagon hate” directed at him.
Nigeria has faced ongoing security challenges involving attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities, especially in the country’s Middle Belt region. These incidents are often linked to militant herder groups, Islamist insurgents, and communal conflicts.
Trump recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing what he described as a “mass slaughter” of Christians by extremist groups.
The Nigerian government, however, disputes the claim that Christians are being specifically targeted, arguing that the violence stems from broader issues of terrorism, banditry, and communal unrest.
