Singer Nicki Minaj made an awkward verbal slip while speaking on stage alongside Erika Kirk, the widow of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on Sunday, December 21.

Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, was asked what message she had for young men in the audience. While praising Republican leadership, she commended U.S. Vice President JD Vance but mistakenly referred to him as an “assassin.”

“Young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president,” she said, before adding, “And you have amazing role models like the assassin JD Vance, our vice president.”

Realising the mistake, Minaj paused immediately. Erika Kirk, who stood beside her, quickly reassured her, saying, “Trust me, there is nothing new under the sun that I have not heard. So you’re fine… you let it roll right off your back.”

She also dismissed concerns about backlash, adding, “If the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love this woman.”

The event marked the first Turning Point USA summit since Charlie Kirk was killed in September during a university appearance. He is survived by his wife and their two children, while a 22-year-old suspect is currently on trial.

Charlie Kirk had previously criticised Minaj at a past Turning Point USA event, describing her as “not a good role model” and at one point confusing her with rapper Cardi B while condemning explicit lyrics.

In recent months, Minaj has drawn renewed criticism over her support for Donald Trump, especially after accepting a role working with the Trump administration to highlight alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Reacting to her appointment, Mike Waltz praised her on X, calling her “not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.”

Minaj responded by expressing gratitude, adding that she and her fans would continue to use their influence to speak out, saying, “We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose.”