Nicki Minaj has found herself at the center of controversy once again after publicly praising former President Donald Trump for designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over attacks on Christians.
The rapper’s comments on social media have sparked strong reactions from both fans and critics, highlighting the intense debate surrounding the Nigerian crisis.
The Context Behind Nigeria’s Violence
Nigeria has long been grappling with internal violence, particularly in the northeast where Boko Haram has waged a jihadist insurgency since 2009.
The extremist group has targeted both Christians and Muslims it deems “apostates,” while other forms of violence—including ethnic clashes and bandit attacks—compound the country’s instability.
In addition to the insurgency, Fulani Muslim militias have been involved in deadly attacks on predominantly Christian farming communities.
These conflicts are intertwined with religious, ethnic, and resource-related tensions, particularly over dwindling farmland.
Trump’s Designation and Minaj’s Response
In response to lobbying by Republican lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Riley Moore, Trump officially labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.
The designation signals that the U.S. government views Nigeria as committing “particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”
On X (formerly Twitter), Minaj expressed her gratitude for the move, writing: “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude.
We live in a country where we can freely worship God.”
She continued, emphasizing the importance of religious tolerance: “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.
We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other.”
She concluded her post by thanking Trump and his team and calling for prayers for persecuted Christians worldwide.
Backlash from Fans and Social Media Users
Minaj’s praise for Trump drew sharp criticism from many online, especially from liberals and Muslims who viewed her comments as endorsing anti-Muslim rhetoric.
One user vented frustration over government shutdowns, questioning why the rapper was using her platform to praise Trump.
Another commentator compared the reaction to Minaj’s to previous controversies involving Beyoncé and Jay-Z, calling for consistency in how celebrity political engagement is perceived.
Others pointed out that Trump’s policies have disproportionately affected Black communities in the U.S., expressing concern that Minaj’s public support could normalize controversial actions by his administration.
Debates Over Nigeria’s Religious Situation
Claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria remain disputed.
Both the Nigerian government and the Christian Association of Nigeria have denied that a targeted extermination of Christians is occurring.
The debate has gained traction in some American political circles, with liberal commentator Bill Maher noting media focus on Gaza while relatively little attention is given to Nigeria.
Trump, in announcing Nigeria’s designation, emphasized that Christianity is facing an “existential threat” in the country and called on Congress to investigate the situation.
He also framed the U.S. as prepared to intervene to protect Christians globally.
Minaj’s Recent Social Media Activity
Minaj’s comments on Nigeria follow other recent interactions with the Trump family, including sharing a TikTok video of Trump’s granddaughter Kai dancing to a remix of Minaj’s song Beez In the Trap.
She reacted to the clip with a mix of emojis, showing her signature blend of humor and engagement with pop culture.
Even as her social media presence continues to generate headlines, this latest post demonstrates how celebrity voices can amplify politically charged topics and ignite online debate.