At a Turning Point USA festival, Nicki Minaj mistakenly referred to Vice President JD Vance as an "assassin" while praising conservative leaders and appeared embarrassed. Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, immediately reassured Minaj on stage and urged her not to worry. Minaj resumed her remarks and later reposted a White House clip praising the president. The moment drew attention given Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at a previous Turning Point event in September.
Erika Kirk Consoles Nicki Minaj After Onstage 'Assassin' Slip at Turning Point USA Festival
Erika Kirk speaks with Nicki Minaj during AmericaFest, the first Turning Point USA summit since the death of Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., December 21, 2025. REUTERS/Cheney Orr
At a Turning Point USA festival on Sunday, rapper Nicki Minaj briefly stumbled while praising conservative figures, calling Vice President JD Vance an "assassin" before appearing embarrassed on stage. Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, quickly stepped in to reassure Minaj and defuse the awkward moment.
On stage together at the youth group's event — founded by Charlie Kirk — Minaj praised conservative leaders and said: "Dear young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president, and you have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president." She then lowered the microphone and covered her mouth, pausing as laughter rippled through the audience.
Erika Kirk, whose husband was fatally shot in September during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, responded immediately. Addressing Minaj, she said: "Trust me, there's nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you're fine... I love you. You have to laugh about it truly. You say what you want to say, because I know your heart and I will not judge that." Minaj thanked Kirk and continued her remarks after a brief pause.
Aftermath
Soon after the appearance, the White House posted a clip of Minaj at the festival in which she said, "I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president." Minaj later reposted the clip with two photos of herself and wrote: "My darling, you did it. We're good. Love you."
Context
The exchange drew attention because of the previous violent attack on Charlie Kirk at a Turning Point USA event in September, when he was shot while debating students. Erika Kirk's onstage reassurance turned an uncomfortable gaffe into a brief moment of compassion and solidarity.
Key Quote: "You say what you want to say, because I know your heart and I will not judge that," Erika Kirk told Minaj.
