Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj publicly supported President Trump’s claim that Christians face persecution in Nigeria during a UN event.
Speaking at a United Nations gathering organized by the U.S., Minaj said, “In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted. Churches have been burned, families torn apart … simply because of how they pray.” She emphasized that advocating for protection of Christians is not about taking sides or creating division but about “uniting humanity” and standing against injustice.
Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, appeared alongside U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz and thanked Trump for prioritizing the issue. She described Nigeria as “a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions” and acknowledged her fans in the country, calling them “beautiful Barbz.” Waltz expressed gratitude for Minaj using her global platform to highlight the challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria.
Trump recently threatened military action in Nigeria “guns a-blazing” if the government continued allowing attacks on Christians. While right-wing campaigners in Washington have alleged that Islamist militants specifically target Christians, BBC reporting notes that some of the data used to support this claim is difficult to verify. Analysts say that much of the violence in Nigeria involves disputes over land, water, or resources and affects people of all faiths, including Muslims, Christians, and those with no religion. The Nigerian government has stressed that terrorists attack anyone who rejects their ideology, not just Christians.
Minaj said her intervention is motivated by her influence and faith. “The Barbz and I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose,” she stated. Her comments mark her highest-profile political involvement to date.
The rapper, 42, has previously stirred controversy for spreading Covid-19 vaccine misinformation and for a public feud with fellow rapper Cardi B. Despite moving to New York from Trinidad at an early age, she has yet to obtain U.S. citizenship.
Minaj’s UN appearance highlights her increasing engagement in global issues, using her fame to draw attention to international human rights concerns while reinforcing her long-standing message of standing against injustice wherever it occurs.
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