Nicki Minaj Fiery Pro-Trump U.N. Speech on Nigeria — But Experts Say the Story Isn’t That Simple

The year is 2025, and Nicki Minaj just took the global stage at the United Nations in full support of the Trump administration — a sentence that would’ve sounded impossible not long ago. Yet on Tuesday, Minaj delivered remarks at the U.S. Mission to the U.N. addressing what she described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria — a rising right-wing talking point that experts say oversimplifies a much more complex crisis.

The rapper was introduced by an emotional U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, who praised her as a “fearless advocate.” Minaj, thanking President Donald Trump and shouting out the Barbz, spoke passionately about religious freedom.

“I stand here as a proud New Yorker with a deep sense of gratitude that we live in a country where we can freely and safely worship God,” she said. “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.”

Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God.

No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion. We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other.

Numerous countries all… pic.twitter.com/2M5sPiviQu

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) November 1, 2025

From Trump Critic to Trump Ally

Minaj, who once slammed Trump’s immigration policy, has visibly shifted her stance. Earlier this month, she boosted one of Trump’s Truth Social posts warning that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” blaming “radical Islamists” for mass killings.

Minaj captioned the post with gratitude that Americans can “freely worship God,” and thanked Trump for taking the issue seriously.

As news broke that she would speak at the U.N., Waltz celebrated her participation online, calling her “arguably the greatest female recording artist” and applauding her for using her platform to highlight “atrocities” in Nigeria. Minaj reposted his statement, writing:

“The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose.”

Why Nigeria? Why Now?

Republicans — including Ted Cruz, Trump, and the new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — have aggressively pushed claims that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted in a religious war. Trump even threatened to cut off all aid to Nigeria and teased a possible “guns-a-blazing” intervention.

Following his statements, the State Department designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.” NBC News later reported Trump was inspired after watching a Fox News segment.

But experts say the narrative being pushed by Trump and now Minaj is wildly incomplete.

Researchers and analysts told the AP and CNN that:

• Both Christians and Muslims have been attacked by militant groups.

• Nigeria’s conflicts stem from regional, political, and economic instability — not purely religion.

• Claims of mass Christian persecution are exaggerated and misinterpreted.

“There is no systematic, intentional attempt … to target a particular religion,”

Nigeria’s information minister told the AP. Nigerian officials expressed shock and frustration, especially at Trump floating the idea of a U.S. invasion.

What Minaj Actually Said at the U.N.

The event opened with prayer before Ambassador Waltz introduced her with near-reverence. Minaj delivered a five-minute speech focusing on religious freedom:

“Faith is under attack in way too many places,” she said. “In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed.”

She added the problem extends beyond Nigeria, calling it a global crisis.

And of course, she addressed her devoted fanbase:

“Barbz, I know you’re somewhere listening. I love you so very much … This isn’t about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice.”

In reality, her remarks align closely with the Trump administration’s messaging — a direction Minaj insists is rooted in faith, though critics point out she appears unaware of the injustices being carried out by the very administration she’s endorsing.

A Pop Star, A President, and a Global Flashpoint

Nicki Minaj standing at the U.N. beside Trump’s ambassador marks one of the most unexpected political moments of the year — one that amplified a deeply complicated international issue while elevating a U.S. culture-war narrative to the global stage.

Whether her speech brings awareness, confusion, or controversy, one thing is certain:

Nicki Minaj just reshaped the political conversation — and the Barbz are watching every second.