When art succumbs to autocracy: Nicki Minaj’s MAGA awakening

Nicki Minaj had previously spoken out against the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump — particularly opposing his notorious immigration policies. However, the Trinidadian rapper and songwriter recently showed up at an event by the Treasury Department in January. Minaj held the president’s hand on stage and declared herself as his “number one fan.”

The shift in Minaj’s attitude toward Trump was not of a sudden nature. Since Trump’s return to the Oval Office, she has explicitly advocated for his campaigns. In fact, Minaj is not unique at all — being one of many celebrities who swapped their initial political stance as soon as the new rule was established at the White House. The list of Trump’s newly self-proclaimed supporters is diverse and stretches quite far — from Snoop Dogg, to Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and more.

What I find amusing about people’s reaction to the sudden political “coming-out” of their favorite celebrities is the constant accusations of betrayal. Thousands of years of human history should have already taught us that most artists are prone to submitting to the interests of the ruling government if it is suppressive and populous enough.

The ongoing circus of American stardom surrounding Trump has transpired elsewhere too — over the last four years in Russia. 

After the Russia-Ukraine war erupted in 2022, local popular figures reacted differently. Some fled the home scene and expressed strong disapproval of President Vladimir Putin’s imperial ambitions, while others remained silent, preferring not to intervene in political affairs at all. 

But the majority submitted to the national leader, supporting the full-scale invasion of an independent sovereign republic — the very place where most of them had previously performed and where they had been greeted just as cordially as in Russia.

To find an explanation for this masquerade of hypocrisy is not a hard task. Being the direct heir to the Soviet political apparatus, the Russian government uses famous people to promote its own ideology. Undoubtedly, the artists who compromised their own principles by pushing the patriotic agenda through their performances were generously rewarded. Some, like the pop singer Shaman, even received a nod of presidential appreciation.

Now, it would be blasphemous not to draw a direct correlation between Minaj’s MAGA alignment and special treatment at the White House. Life is short, but Trump’s presidency is even shorter. It is better to reap the fruit while it is still full of juice — especially when one does not have to labour.

Trump’s second term affected more than just high-profile, famous individuals — it altered the priorities of entire industries. However, that does not mean that we should abandon our own principles. Territorial borders, regimes, and leaders — all are dynamic and finite. What is important is to stop idolizing and start seeking inspiration within ourselves.