By Staff
A war of words between Nicki Minaj and Don Lemon escalated after Lemon’s participation in an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. On January 18-19, 2026, protesters, including Lemon, who identified as an independent “journalist” filming the event, entered the evangelical church alleging that a pastor was an ICE field office director, amid rising tensions surrounding ICE operations in the Twin Cities.
Lemon, who was fired by CNN over “on-air comments and allegations of misogynistic behavior towards female colleagues,” defended his presence by asserting his First Amendment rights to report on freedom of speech and assembly during an interview with the pastor. Prominent Christian leaders, such as Paula White and Paul Chappell, condemned the intrusion as a “desecration” violating the FACE Act, calling for action from the Department of Justice. A parishioner explicitly blamed Lemon for disrupting the worship service.
Minaj ignited the feud on X (formerly Twitter) the same day, using a slur to describe Lemon, which she later stated was intended to provoke a reaction from the left. She also labeled him a “disgusting thug” and demanded his arrest, exclaiming, “HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION.” Her outrage was connected to her recent advocacy against Christian persecution in Nigeria, where she praised Trump’s initiatives. Lemon retaliated in a video, accusing Minaj of being homophobic, ignorant, and indifferent to the concerns of African Americans, even mocking her as potentially an “illegal immigrant.”
The exchange gained traction amid Minaj’s political shift; once a critic of Trump, she has supported him since 2021, leading to disappointment among some of her “Barbz” fans. Her recent “MAGA-aligned comments” sparked outrage from the far left, resulting in the announcement of a Change.org petition calling for her deportation. Critics reference her birthplace of Trinidad and Tobago, and statements she made in 2018 when she condemned the Trump administration for separating children from their undocumented immigrant parents when being detained at the border.
“I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place and having my parents taken away from me at the age of 5,” she said, after revealing that she entered the country herself “as an undocumented immigrant.”
In response to the pushback in 2018, then President Donald Trump signed an executive order that he said would keep immigrant families at the border together.
“I didn’t like the sight or the feeling of families being separated,” he stated.
Minaj’s comments on immigration, however, were made during a time when unauthorized entries into the U.S. were largely ignored and not nearly as prevalent, unlike what occurred under the Biden administration, where an estimated 20 million unvetted immigrants entered and remained in the country illegally, resulting in an increase in violent crime, and a significant burden on taxpayers, exemplified by the massive fraud recently exposed in Minnesota, allegedly orchestrated by, and benefiting, Somali individuals and organizations.
Attempts by Lemon and others to use her criticism of Trump in 2018, along with her support of his policies now, to cancel the superstar have largely backfired. Instead of diminishing her popularity, their actions have propelled her career to new heights. Following the controversy, her music sales and downloads surged, and her fan base expanded, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.
“Despite rumors of being “cancelled” and “over” Nicki Minaj has reached #1 on the US Hip-Hop/Rap Songs Chart TWICE in 2026! Only 3 weeks into the year” a post by @AndrewMinaj99 reported.
Additionally, Minaj made a surprise appearance at AmericaFest 2025, where she engaged in a conversation with Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk. The two bonded over their shared Christian faith, underscoring a cultural shift occurring in the United States. This moment reflects a growing trend among the Black community and moderates who have become uncomfortable with the party’s radical stances on issues like the transitioning of minors and open borders, leading them to abandon the Democratic Party in favor of one that aligns more closely with their Christian-based roots.
Historically, about 87% of the Black community identified as Christian 40 years ago, according to the Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org). This current resurgence in Christian identification signals a potential seismic shift in political dynamics, suggesting that the ties once firmly held with the Democratic Party may be loosening and paving the way for new conversations and alliances centered around faith and identity.
When asked by Erika Kirk how she was handling the backlash, Minaj candidly responded, “I didn’t notice.”
While some conservatives pointed out that Minaj’s choice of words were not particularly “Christian-like,” her fans quickly came to her defense. One fan declared, “Nicki!!! I love you for standing for what’s right!” while another added, “Amen!! Thank you, Nicki.”
Coverage from TMZ, Entertainment Weekly, Fox News, and others highlighted the mutual personal attacks surrounding identity and politics. Lemon clarified that he was reporting, not protesting. No charges have been filed against him yet, but the clash underscores the polarized views on protests, religion, and immigration enforcement. Minaj’s resilience amidst these attacks showcases her significant influence, reinforcing her position as too prominent to be canceled in today’s politically charged environment, as other high-profile entertainers also begin to challenge the stronghold the Democratic Party once held over them.
In a Fox News report on December 23, 2025, ‘Fox & Friends’ co-host Brian Kilmeade suggested that the “warming reception” Trump has been receiving from rappers like 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Minaj might signify “the beginning of people taking a fresh look” at their opinions, rather than relying on the media filter.
In light of the ongoing discourse, 50 Cent, who has made statements in support of Trump, recently remarked that Minaj’s political and religious comments might negatively affect her, given that some of her fans may hold differing opinions. However, this has not proven true in her recent actions, as evidenced by her growing popularity following the controversy. Minaj’s courage in voicing her opinions serves as a powerful example, demonstrating that expressing oneself can lead to greater freedom of speech.
By standing firm in her beliefs, she inspires others to share their views without fear of threats or intimidation, fostering an environment where differing perspectives can be openly discussed. This courageous stance not only amplifies her influence but also contributes to a more robust dialogue surrounding political opinions in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Lead photo—Phoenix, USA. 21st Dec, 2025. Erika Kirk brings out special guest Nicki Minaj on Day 4 of Turning Point USA’s America Fest 2025 held at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona on December 21, 2025 (Photo by Laura Brett/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa USA/Alamy Live News
