Over the past week, Nicki Minaj has once again become a central figure in pop culture conversations, this time for reasons that go beyond music. Her appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on December 21, 2025, immediately sparked intense reactions across social media and within the rap and hip-hop community.
For an artist whose legacy is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture, the moment felt unexpected for many fans. While Nicki Minaj has never shied away from controversy, this appearance opened a broader discussion about politics, influence, and the role of celebrities in shaping public opinion.
Rather than focusing solely on the event itself, the spotlight quickly shifted to how fellow celebrities responded. From public support to sharp criticism, the reactions revealed clear divisions and showed just how influential Nicki Minaj remains within entertainment and culture.
Amber Rose defends Nicki Minaj’s political freedom
Amber Rose publicly defended Nicki Minaj after her Turning Point USA appearance. Speaking to TMZ, Amber focused on personal choice and free expression, stating: "I think she did a great job, an amazing job. We live in a free country. She has the right to her own political opinion just like everyone else does."
Her response positioned Nicki Minaj’s appearance as an example of exercising free speech, offering a supportive counterpoint to the backlash unfolding online.
Lizzo responds with a broader perspective
Lizzo addressed the situation by focusing on the larger implications of celebrity involvement in politics rather than directly criticizing Nicki Minaj. She explained how she first learned about the situation, saying:
"So I'm getting texts like about Nicki and I'm like what are you talking about? I didn't even know then, you know, I researched and saw what was going on."
She continued by distancing herself from celebrity-on-celebrity judgment: "And imma say it like this: celebrities' opinions of other celebrities does not matter. It, I'm telling you it doesn't matter so my opinion of her does not matter but what I will tell you is you're about to see an influx of people who see that is more profitable and more beneficial to join that side. You're gonna see it, it already started um and is going to continue."
Lizzo added further context about the political climate: "This is his first year, Trump's first year as president. We got three more years of people who are going to surprise you um and its gonna hurt your feelings and disappoint you. Everything there are privileges behind eve"
Her comments framed the moment as part of a growing trend rather than an isolated incident.
Lil Duval questions the public reaction
Lil Duval reacted by questioning how quickly public sentiment shifted following Nicki Minaj’s appearance. In a comment on his X account that circulated widely, he wrote: "So y'all completely done with Nicki now?" His response highlighted the speed at which backlash can grow and raised questions about loyalty and accountability in hip-hop culture.
So yall completely done with Nicki now?
— lil duval (@lilduval) November 20, 2025
Uncle Luke criticizes Nicki Minaj’s choices
Uncle Luke shared one of the most emotionally charged reactions. In a widely circulated clip shared by The Neighborhood Talk, he directly questioned Nicki Minaj’s decisions and associations, saying:
"Can somebody talk to her - Nicki Minaj, Turning Point? Do you really know what these fcking people are all about? You know what they on? ... You're going to sit down with [Charlie] Kirk's wife? These people said everything in the world about Black people. They deliberately targeted Black people... Nicki have you lost your fcking mind?"
He continued with a blunt assessment of her motivations: "You are looking for attention... A white person can say something negative about you but when the Black girl [Cardi B] say something negative about you, you lost your f*cking mind."
His comments sparked strong debate, with fans divided over whether his criticism was necessary or excessive.
Joe Budden cuts ties publicly
Joe Budden delivered the strongest response, making it clear that Nicki Minaj’s Turning Point USA appearance was a deal-breaker for him. Speaking on his podcast, he said:
“I'm out. I'm done. That was it. Sorry, I'm gone, That was the last candle on the cake for me. Sorry Barbz, sorry Nicki. Don't call me. Don't text me. It is what it is. Sometimes, how you move around out there does have an effect on how I view you. This was one of them things. I'd be a fool to think that you didn't consider that before you did it, which just says to me that you don't really give a f*ck."
Budden’s remarks emphasized how deeply the situation affected his view of Nicki Minaj both personally and professionally.
Dr. Umar shares disappointment and warning
Dr. Umar Johnson addressed Nicki Minaj’s political stance during an interview on The Art of Dialogue on December 25, 2025. While acknowledging her talent, he expressed disappointment:
“I’m disappointed in my sister Nicki. You have no business using hip-hop music to build yourself in Black culture. Very talented sister, very articulate sister, very intelligent sister, tremendous lyricist. Few sisters I could put in front of her in terms of lyrical talent."
He followed with a stronger critique: “But how dare you build a comfortable life for you and your beautiful family on Black culture, then turn around and use that success to help Donald Trump leverage his military agenda against Black Africa, the Black Caribbean, and Black America."
Dr. Umar concluded with a warning about broader consequences: "Sister Nicki, you are being used against the Black Caribbean, you are being used against the Black Africa, and you are being used against the Black America. Is what Donald Trump is offering you, is it worth that? Is it worth the turning back the clock of African people in three separate regions?"
A cultural moment that continues
The reactions to Nicki Minaj’s Turning Point USA appearance show how deeply her influence runs within rap, hip-hop, and pop culture. Supporters, critics, and neutral voices alike have turned the moment into a larger cultural conversation.
As debates continue, Nicki Minaj remains a powerful figure capable of shaping dialogue far beyond music, proving once again that every move she makes carries weight across entertainment and society.