Nicki Minaj has found herself in hot water once again, but this time it’s not about bars or beats—it’s about words and influence. A resurfaced clip from a 2016 Tidal 1015 charity concert shows the Queens rapper calling out the men in the audience in a way that has fans, collaborators, and queer communities confused. Although one thing is clear, the internet truly does live forever.
“Cause Barack needed Michelle, b*tch,” Minaj told the packed venue. “And Bill needed a motherf**king Hillary, b*tch. You better pray to God you don’t get stuck with a motherf**king Melania.”
This is a stark difference from the rapper’s political alliance today. Yes, people’s minds, beliefs, and opinions change, but when these artists have a voice, they sometimes forget that it carries weight.
@richard_laawwwson Imma just sit this here 🤣 #fyp #nickiminaj #maga #fypシ
Collaborators Start to Distance Themselves
The ripple effect of the rapper’s support of the present administration and open use of homophobic slurs have queer fans disappointed with @Cazwell, a long-time queer admirer, commenting:
“So disappointing to see Nicki Minaj, someone I’ve admired for years, feel so comfortable using homophobic slurs. It is very important to fight back against homophobia. When someone with the power and influence of Nicki decides to use her platform to spew homophobia, she incites violence against my community and it cannot be tolerated.”
@cazwell So disappointing to see Nicki Minaj, someone I’ve admired for years feel so comfortable using homophobic slurs. it is very important to fight back against homophobia. When someone of with power of influence and a large platform as Nicki decides to use her platform to spew homophobia, she insights violence against my community and it cannot be tolerated. #donlemon #nickiminaj
Several major collaborators are now taking a stand. Evanescence has removed their remix of Bring Me To Life featuring Nicki Minaj from streaming platforms, while Little Mix quietly pulled Woman Like Me from services as well.
Even Lady Gaga has publicly criticized Minaj during her concerts, and fans noticed that Ariana Grande skipped Minaj’s name while introducing performers during her 2019 Coachella set.
Lady Gaga speaks out against Nicki Minaj during a speech at her concert.
— EM (@EXECUTIVEXMEDIA) January 29, 2026
The industry is sending a clear message: actions have consequences, even for a superstar with decades of influence.
Politics, Privilege, and Provocation
Adding fuel to the fire, Minaj has recently been in the spotlight for political reasons. On Twitter, she shared that she received a “gold Trump card” and referred to herself as “probably the president’s No. 1 fan.” Her tweets read:
“Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. I wouldn’t have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment. Gold Trump card free of charge.”
However, according to The New York Times, the so-called “gold card” Nicki Minaj proudly showed off wasn’t an immigration breakthrough at all. A White House official described the item as a gold-colored keepsake featuring Donald Trump’s face, stressing that it was a “memento,” not a visa or legal document. In other words, flashy—but functionally meaningless.
The paper further reports that the card would hold little practical value for Minaj regardless. A Homeland Security official confirmed she has been a legal permanent resident for nearly two decades, meaning she was already eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship long before the card ever existed.
RELATED: Minaj Calls Don Lemon a “C*CK SUCKIN” — Admits She Did It to Trigger Queer Fans
A Moment of Reckoning
The backlash against Nicki Minaj is a reminder that even pop icons cannot operate in a vacuum. Words have weight, and visibility has power. For queer communities, collaborators, and fans alike, this isn’t a “cancel moment” for entertainment gossip—it’s a cultural reckoning.
Nicki Minaj has historically been celebrated for boldness, lyricism, and boundary-pushing persona—but many are asking: where does humor end and harm begin? And when fame shields you from accountability, what does that say about influence in the music industry?
Looking Ahead
As streaming platforms pull tracks and collaborators distance themselves, the conversation around Nicki Minaj is far from over. Fans are debating: can you separate the art from the artist? Is loyalty to Minaj’s music outweighed by the impact of her words?
For LGBTQ audiences, the stakes feel higher. It’s not just about music—it’s about whether a global superstar acknowledges the communities that support her. And if she continues to dismiss criticism, it’s clear that accountability may become the new currency in pop culture.
@dailyhiphoptea Billy Porter Drags Nicki Minaj For Supporting MAGA #nickiminaj #billyporter #fyp
Nicki Minaj may still be a chart-topping phenomenon, but this moment is a clear reminder that influence comes with responsibility—and words, once said, can echo for years. For fans, collaborators, and allies, it’s not just a controversy—it’s a cultural checkpoint: who do we choose to celebrate, and who do we hold accountable?
REFERENCE: The New York Times