A wave of online backlash has erupted around Nicki Minaj, after a controversial public appearance sparked a rapidly growing petition. A petition demanding the deportation of Nicki Minaj has gathered tens of thousands of signatures, drawing intense debate across social media and political circles.
Petition Gains Momentum After AmericaFest Appearance
According to a petition posted on Change.org, nearly 50,000 people have signed a call urging U.S. authorities to deport the rapper to Trinidad. The petition surfaced shortly after Minaj appeared on stage at a Turning Point USA AmericaFest event on December 21 in Phoenix.
During the event, Minaj was seen alongside Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk. The moment quickly went viral, igniting criticism from fans who felt blindsided by the artist’s association with the right-wing organization.
Minaj moved to the United States at the age of five and has previously stated—during a 2024 livestream—that she is still not a U.S. citizen.
Fans Express Disappointment and Disillusionment
Published on December 27 and accompanied by a photo of Minaj high-fiving Erika Kirk, the petition’s description struck an emotional tone. Supporters described feeling deeply disappointed by what they see as a shift in Minaj’s values.
The text explains that many longtime fans once viewed the rapper as a symbol of hope and representation, only to now feel “abandoned” by her recent political alignment. The petition argues that celebrities with massive platforms have a responsibility to consider the broader impact of their public statements, especially on marginalized communities.
“Deporting Nicki Minaj back to Trinidad,” the petition claims, “would serve as a reminder that public figures must be accountable for their influence and the consequences of their words.”
Political Context Fuels the Outrage
Much of the backlash stems from Minaj’s perceived alignment with the Donald Trump administration, which has faced heavy criticism for immigration crackdowns, including ICE raids and mass deportations over the past year.
This reaction is especially striking given Minaj’s past stance. During Trump’s first term, she publicly condemned his immigration policies, referencing her own childhood experience as an undocumented immigrant.
In a widely shared 2018 Instagram post, Minaj wrote about the fear immigrant children face when separated from their parents, calling the situation “terrifying” and urging compassion.
A Shift in Tone Raises Eyebrows
In contrast, Minaj’s recent remarks suggest a notable change. At the Turning Point USA event, she referred to Trump and Vice President JD Vance as “role models,” a statement that surprised both fans and critics alike.
She has also publicly praised the administration for addressing the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. That support carried over to a speech she delivered at a United Nations event in New York, where she thanked Trump for prioritizing the issue and pushing for global action.
Her remarks emphasized defending religious freedom and combating extremism—points that resonated with some audiences, while further alienating others.
Waiting on a Response
As debate continues to swirl online, Billboard has reportedly reached out to Minaj’s representatives for comment. So far, no official response has been released.
Whether the petition leads to any tangible action remains uncertain, but the controversy highlights how quickly public opinion can shift—and how deeply fans react when a beloved figure’s political stance appears to change.
