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Nicki Minaj has gone dark on social media.
The rap superstar deactivated her Instagram account on Thursday, Dec. 25, just days after making a polarizing surprise appearance at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix. The move comes amid a wave of backlash following her full embrace of the conservative movement and a cringe-inducing verbal slip-up on stage.
On Saturday, Dec. 21, the "Super Bass" artist, 43, closed out the right-wing conference alongside the organization's CEO, Erika Kirk. It was a significant moment for Erika, marking her high-profile return to the political stage following the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, in September.
Walking hand-in-hand with the widow, Minaj used the platform to heap praise on President Donald Trump.
"I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president," Minaj told the cheering crowd. "I don't know if he even knows this, but he's given so many people hope." She went on to describe Trump as "handsome" and "dashing," explaining that her political pivot came after she "got tired of being pushed around" by liberal industry peers.
"I'm not going to back down anymore," she declared.
However, the interview took an uncomfortable turn when Minaj pivoted to discussing Vice President JD Vance. Attempting to compliment the administration's male leadership, she stumbled into a massive faux pas.
"Dear young men, you have amazing role models... like the assassin, JD Vance," she said. The room fell silent as Minaj realized the weight of using the word "assassin" while sitting next to a woman whose husband had recently been murdered. The rapper covered her mouth in visible shock. Erika Kirk handled the moment with grace, assuring Minaj, "Trust me, there's nothing new under the sun that I have not heard."
Minaj also used the appearance to attack California Governor Gavin Newsom, with whom she has feuded over transgender policies.
While Minaj's X (formerly Twitter) account remains active, where she recently posted "Didn't have a clue. Carry on" regarding the backlash, her Instagram remains offline as of Christmas Day.
