Rapper Nicki Minaj makes surprise appearance at TPUSA event, says she has admiration for Trump

Turning Point USA Erika Kirk brought out hip-hop recording artist Nicki Minaj as a special guest at its AmericaFest conference.

Minaj has applauded the Trump administration for its work supporting Christians in Nigeria, which the administration has argued are being persecuted. 

"I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president," she said on Sunday. "I don't know if he even knows this but he's given so many people hope that there is a chance to beat the bad guys and to win."

Minaj was asked on stage for her reaction to the backlash she's getting from her industry for showing support for Trump.

"I didn't notice," she said. "We don't even think about them."

Minaj said she has told those who are upset by her public move to the right.

"They're just disgruntled with themselves," she said. "I literally tell them, 'stay mad' because we're going to stay joyful and peaceful."