Erika Kirk, widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, offered reassurance to rapper Nicki Minaj on Sunday. Minaj made an awkward comment referring to Vice President JD Vance as an «assassin» while praising him as a role model.
The incident occurred during a festival hosted by Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organisation founded by Charlie Kirk.
Speaking on stage with Erika Kirk, Minaj said, «Dear young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president, and you have amazing role models like the assassin, JD Vance, our vice president.»
She then looked down and covered her mouth in apparent embarrassment.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in September during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University while debating students. Following Minaj’s remark, the audience reacted with laughter at the awkward moment. Erika Kirk quickly stepped in to comfort the rapper.
«Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you’re fine… I love you. You have to laugh about it truly,» Kirk told Minaj. «You say what you want to say, because I know your heart and I will not judge that.» Minaj thanked her and resumed speaking after a brief pause.
Shortly after the festival, the White House shared a video clip of Minaj praising the president, which she reposted with two photos of herself and a message saying, «My darling, you did it. We’re good. Love you.»
