No, Nicki Minaj Has Not Endorsed Donald Trump for President: A Fact-Check on Viral Claims

Rapper Nicki Minaj has recently found herself at the center of political speculation, as social media posts claim she endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. However, these claims lack any credible evidence, and fact-checkers have debunked the story as misinformation. Minaj, known for her hit songs like “Anaconda” and her outspoken personality, has not publicly endorsed Trump, despite viral social media posts claiming otherwise.

How the Rumor Started

The speculation surrounding Minaj’s alleged endorsement of Trump appears to stem from multiple misleading social media posts and a few old video clips. On October 28, 2024, a post on Threads claimed, “BREAKING – Nicki Minaj just endorsed Donald Trump for President. This is a HUGE blow to Kamala! Q the Democrats calling Minaj a racist in 3, 2, 1.” This single post quickly gained traction, sparking heated discussions online and across various platforms. However, upon closer inspection, this claim lacks any substantiated proof.

According to PolitiFact, a leading fact-checking organization, there is no public evidence that Minaj has endorsed Trump. After a thorough investigation, they concluded that the claim was baseless and noted that some users shared a five-year-old video of Minaj in which she does not endorse Trump at all.

The 2019 Halloween Video: Context Matters

One video that has resurfaced in connection to the rumor is a Halloween video from 2019 in which Minaj and her husband, Kenneth Petty, are dressed as Bride of Chucky and Chucky, characters from the horror franchise Child’s Play. In the video, Minaj, speaking in character, jokingly says that because Chucky is an American, she can now “fill out paperwork to vote in the United States of America of Donald Trump.” While some social media users have misinterpreted this statement as an endorsement, Minaj was simply playing a character and did not actually endorse Trump.

In 2019, Donald Trump was still the sitting U.S. president, which adds context to her statement. By including his name, she made a topical joke, not a political endorsement. The video, which has resurfaced during the current election cycle, has thus been misrepresented by some users who suggest it reflects Minaj’s political stance in 2024. However, fact-checkers, including those at PolitiFact, have reviewed the video and clarified that it does not show an endorsement of Trump.

The Viral Spread of Misleading Information

The 2024 U.S. presidential election, featuring Donald Trump as the Republican nominee and Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, has already been marked by misinformation campaigns on social media. The claim about Minaj’s endorsement fits into this trend of high-profile figures being falsely attributed with political endorsements, often to sway public opinion or generate buzz.

For many fans and social media users, seeing a post claiming that Minaj endorsed Trump could be both shocking and divisive, considering the rapper’s influence and global platform. The fact that Minaj’s name was linked to Trump by simply sharing a five-year-old video or making vague comments serves as a reminder of how easily misinformation can spread, particularly on platforms like Threads and X (formerly Twitter).

Minaj’s Real Views on Politics and Past Comments

Nicki Minaj has made headlines in the past with her bold opinions, but she has rarely endorsed political candidates explicitly. In 2016, during the Time 100 Gala, Minaj performed her hit song “Anaconda” and added an unexpected twist, dedicating it “in the spirit of unity” to Donald Trump and Joe Biden. She incorporated both men’s names into the song’s lyrics, even jokingly asking the audience, “Who do you think likes the biggest butts, Donald Trump or Joe Biden?” Her playful comment left the audience in stitches and positioned her stance as lighthearted rather than politically motivated.

Throughout her career, Minaj has maintained a relatively neutral public stance regarding political endorsements. She has, however, spoken out on certain social and political issues, often using her platform to discuss topics such as healthcare access and racial justice. In 2021, Minaj shared controversial views about the COVID-19 vaccine, questioning the vaccine’s side effects and facing backlash from both media outlets and public health officials. Her opinions sparked debates about vaccine hesitancy but did not involve an explicit endorsement of any political figure.

Fact-Checking the Endorsement Rumor

To verify the claims circulating on social media, PolitiFact conducted a comprehensive search across multiple sources, including Google News, the Nexis news database, and Minaj’s official website and social media profiles. Despite their efforts, they found no evidence that Minaj had endorsed Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 election. The lack of any such endorsement from Minaj herself, or from credible news outlets, points to the fact that this rumor was likely a fabrication.

PolitiFact also contacted Minaj’s record label to verify if any statements were made regarding her political views, but as of the time of publication, they had not received a response. The absence of any official confirmation or statement from Minaj reinforces the conclusion that the endorsement rumor is unfounded.

Why the Misunderstanding Matters

Misrepresenting a celebrity’s political stance can have broader implications, particularly for someone with a fanbase as large and engaged as Minaj’s. Fans may interpret her alleged support for a candidate as a personal endorsement and adjust their views or decisions based on that influence. Additionally, misleading information about endorsements can disrupt genuine political discourse and distract from the issues that matter most to voters.

False endorsements can also damage a celebrity’s reputation, as people may view them differently based on perceived political affiliations. For Minaj, whose brand is deeply rooted in her fierce independence and ability to speak her mind, an alleged endorsement of Trump could lead to backlash from parts of her fanbase that do not align with Trump’s platform.

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Misinformation

This case illustrates the challenges in navigating social media during an election cycle, where misinformation can spread rapidly, even when based on outdated or taken-out-of-context material. Platforms like X, Threads, and Instagram allow users to share information instantly, often with little verification. Viral posts claiming that Minaj endorsed Trump quickly amassed likes, shares, and comments, generating a snowball effect that led to widespread confusion.

It is essential for users to critically assess the information they encounter on social media and seek credible sources before accepting statements at face value. In the digital age, even the most unlikely claims can gain traction if they are shared by enough people, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking organizations like PolitiFact to dispel rumors and clarify misleading claims.

As of now, there is no factual basis to the claims that Nicki Minaj has endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The rumor appears to be a mix of misinterpreted old videos and misleading social media posts. Minaj, known for her massive influence in hip-hop and pop culture, has not publicly aligned herself with any presidential candidate in this election cycle. For fans and voters, it is a reminder to question and verify information, especially in an era where online rumors can quickly gain momentum.

While Minaj’s persona is unapologetically bold and she frequently shares her thoughts with the public, an official endorsement of Trump or any other candidate has yet to be seen. With PolitiFact’s investigation debunking this rumor, fans can rest assured that Minaj’s political stance remains as it was, without any direct support for a presidential candidate.

This incident underscores the need for media literacy, especially during politically charged times. For Minaj, whose fanbase spans diverse backgrounds and ideologies, the unwarranted political endorsement highlights the power and potential pitfalls of social media. As the election approaches, her fans and followers will likely keep a close eye on her statements—but for now, this rumored endorsement of Trump is simply a product of misinformation.