Nicki Minaj is facing the consequences of her actions (switching political lanes) in real time. Following her appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025, a petition began circulating widely calling for Minaj’s deportation to Trinidad. 

The 43-year-old singer graced the event honoring the late Conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona. Minaj sang praises for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance and dubbed them ‘role models’ for young men.

 Minaj applauded Trump and Vance’s ability to connect with people. Many of her fans were stunned by her sudden political turn, which marked a significant shift from her past criticism of Trump. While speaking to Erika Kirk, the rapper reflected on her recent switch in political views. 

Minaj’s overt support for the MAGA movement included mocking California Governor Gavin Newsom. She also spoke about religious freedom and speaking one’s mind despite backlash. Particularly within Black social media circles and her longtime fans, the criticism has been brutal.

The hip-hop artist addressed her advocacy against violence toward Christians in Nigeria at the event. She even emphasized independent thinking and personal growth. Speaking about the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even amid backlash, she said, “It’s OK to change your mind.”

From hyping up Vance and Trump to making anti-trans comments in reference to a Newsom interview, Minaj finally responded to the backlash she’s received for her MAGA pivot. She dismissed her critics, saying, “We’re the cool kids. The other people, they’re the ones who are still just disgruntled.”

 The Change.org petition to deport Minaj to her homeland came in full swing after she raised eyebrows by going full MAGA muse. It started as a tongue-in-cheek protest but gained serious traction after her MAGA comments at the December 21, 2025, event. Since Christmas, the petition has surpassed 36,000 signatures. 

The petition claimed Minaj showed ‘erratic behavior’ and “spiraling out of control,” citing her alleged “psychosis.” It also included harassment of the Carters (translation: Beyoncé and Jay-Z). The petition also mentioned Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty’s criminal record. 

Change.org petitions are symbolic with no legal power. Meaning they won’t trigger ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids. Similar celebrity deportation petitions had previously gone viral but achieved nothing. Earlier petitions were made calling for the deportation of Justin Bieber, Melania Trump, Piers Morgan, Russell Brand, Ted Nugent, and others. 

Since Minaj’s deportation petition went viral, social media exploded with heated arguments, jokes, and memes. The online fanbase remains sharply split. At the same time, some Barbz defended her right to her political views, while others accused her of betraying her influence and roots. 

The backlash from key communities includes widespread confusion and fury over the rapper’s political U-turn. Comments on social media reveal a wide range of emotions, from calls for deportation to defense of her freedom of expression. 

Minaj was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to New York as a child. She holds a green card. In 2024, during a TikTok live show, she revealed that she is not a U.S. citizen, despite paying millions in taxes. She even joked about deserving honorary citizenship. 

Minaj is yet to respond to the deportation petition publicly, but has earlier dismissed fake news and online outrage.