Nicki Minaj Says Fear of Backlash Kept Her From Publicly Supporting Trump Earlier

Nicki Minaj says she stayed quiet about her support for Donald Trump for years because she feared backlash from fans and the music industry.

In an interview with TIME, the rapper said she privately supported Trump long before speaking publicly about it. She said the entertainment industry often expects artists to support Democrats, which made her reluctant to share her views.

“I felt that way already about him, just that I didn’t dare act like that publicly,” Minaj said.

The rapper said her decision to speak openly changed after a swatting incident in April 2025. She said Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna helped connect her with federal law enforcement and private security after the incident.

Minaj described the experience as a turning point, saying it made her feel more comfortable expressing her political beliefs publicly.

Since becoming more vocal about supporting Trump and conservative politics, Minaj has faced criticism online and reportedly lost followers on social media. Supporters, however, argue she is being unfairly targeted for her views.

Minaj also claimed that some entertainers privately share similar political opinions but avoid speaking about them publicly because they fear negative reactions.