Nicki Minaj has revealed that an interaction with Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom played a pivotal role in her decision to become more publicly vocal about her political support for President Donald Trump.
In a recent interview, Minaj stated that Newsom “completely ignored” her when she sought assistance following multiple swatting attempts that threatened her safety at her Los Angeles mansion in 2022 and 2023. She reported the request on social media but said he never responded.
“He just completely ignored me, with all the money I spent in taxes,” Minaj told the interviewer.
The rapper further explained that in 2025, she was contacted by Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) after another swatting incident. Luna connected Minaj with federal law enforcement and a private security firm that guards the congresswoman.
“I was shocked,” Minaj said. “I’d never seen anyone in politics treat me that way.”
Minaj credited Luna’s assistance as the catalyst for her more open advocacy of Trump. She also expressed disillusionment with former President Barack Obama’s relationship with rapper and producer Jay-Z, stating: “I think Jay-Z ended up costing Obama a lot, whether he knows it or not.”
Minaj has since made numerous public statements supporting Trump and attended events such as a Turning Point USA gathering in December 2025 alongside Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.
The artist described her role as one of the top-selling female rap artists in history (surpassed only by Cardi B) and emphasized that many celebrities share her political views but remain silent. “Sometimes you just need one brave person to get the brunt of the impact,” she said. “I think I am the catalyst for that change.”
Minaj urged others to come out publicly with their Trump support: “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?'”
