Nicki Minaj Claims Many Celebrities Secretly Support Trump

Nicki Minaj said that many celebrities privately support President Donald Trump but stay quiet because they fear backlash in the entertainment industry.

The Grammy-nominated rapper, 43, shared these thoughts in a Time magazine interview published on Wednesday, May 13. She discussed her public support for Trump, her frustration with Democratic officials, and her belief that other artists might eventually speak out.

“Many celebrities feel the way I do, but they don't say it,” Minaj told Time. “Sometimes you just need one brave person to face the impact. I think I am the catalyst for that change.”

Minaj expressed a desire for other celebrities who agree with her to stop worrying about how fans, colleagues, or the music industry might react.

“Hopefully when they see me and hear me speak and feel my energy, that will make them say, ‘You know what, who am I afraid of? What am I afraid of?’” she said.

The Super Bass rapper revealed that she had supported Trump’s policies before publicly expressing her views. She explained that she kept quiet because she felt the music industry expected artists to support Democrats.

“I felt that way already about him, just that I didn’t dare act like that publicly,” Minaj said. “It’s been ingrained in everyone’s mind in the music business that we are supposed to be a Democratic family. I just knew they would not like me supporting Trump.”

Minaj's choice to speak out about her political views came after a series of swatting incidents at her Los Angeles home. Swatting involves making false emergency calls that send police or tactical units to someone’s address.

According to Time, Minaj sought help from California Governor Gavin Newsom after the incidents and requested a meeting through intermediaries. She stated that she received no help from him.

“He just completely ignored me, despite all the money I spent in taxes,” Minaj said.

A representative for Newsom’s office told Entertainment Weekly that the governor had “nothing to do with this.”

Minaj mentioned that Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, reached out to her after another swatting incident in April 2025, connecting her with a private security group and federal law enforcement.

“I was shocked,” Minaj said. “I’d never seen anyone in politics treat me that way.”

This encounter helped encourage Minaj to publicly support Trump.

“That’s what made me say that I don’t care to keep this a secret anymore,” she said.

Minaj also reiterated support for Trump’s claims about election fraud, although those claims have not been proven.

“People are voting that aren’t supposed to vote,” she said. “Obviously, I do not know, but I know that if [Trump] comes out and says it, that he’s done his due diligence, and I know that he’s not just making it up.”

Minaj stated she would support Trump during the midterm elections if asked.

“I’ll do whatever it is,” she said.

The interview also covered Minaj’s opinions on former President Barack Obama and Jay-Z. She told Time that she believed Obama’s connection to Jay-Z hurt him with some rappers.

“I think Jay-Z ended up costing Obama a lot, whether he knows it or not,” Minaj said. “Lots of rappers don’t like Jay-Z and were afraid to say it.”

Minaj described Trump as a political figure with a unique cultural identity.

“It’s the same way Marilyn Monroe represents a vibe,” she said. “Donald Trump is his own vibe.”

The rapper mentioned feeling better now that her political views are public.

“I’ve never felt happier. I’ve never felt better,” Minaj said. “When you can be yourself, you’re happier.”