American rapper Nicki Minaj finds herself at the centre of a major online storm as a petition calling for her deportation from the United States gains significant traction. The petition, which has amassed over 60,000 signatures, demands she be sent to Trinidad, her country of birth.
Political Pivot Sparks Viral Backlash
The controversy erupted following Minaj's public alignment with conservative politics. The rapper made a surprise appearance at a Turning Point USA event where she expressed strong support for former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. On December 31, 2025, she praised the administration, stating, "This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them."
This political shift triggered a swift and fierce reaction online. The petition, created by an individual using the name "Pedonika Minaj," lists several reasons for the deportation demand. Among the allegations are that Minaj has harassed music power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z and that her marriage to Kenneth Petty is problematic. The petition description controversially claims the artist is "currently spiraling out of control and seems to be experiencing psychosis."
Nigerians Rally Behind the Rapper
Despite the viral petition, Nicki Minaj has received a wave of support from Nigerians on social media. This support is partly rooted in her previous advocacy for Nigerian Christians and her prayers for hostages abducted in Nigeria and Cameroon. On November 23, 2025, she shared a prayer on X, responding to Pope Francis's call for the release of captives.
Legit.ng compiled reactions from Nigerians, many of whom defended the rapper. User Millicent A Ek invited her to Nigeria, saying, "Come to Nigeria my dear, you will be ok here." Another commenter, Ibama Edughom Edith, welcomed her to "the kingdom of your dear father," referencing her faith.
Other reactions questioned the petition's validity. Emerald August noted, "That they signed the petition does not mean She would be deported." Michael Bass called the petitions "dead on arrival," asserting that "President Trump isn't going to consider those trivial petitions." Joannah Mcgill defended Minaj's right to speak her truth, while Honourable Sunday Amure challenged her fans to start a counter-petition.
Broader Implications and Online Debate
The situation highlights the intense polarization surrounding celebrity political endorsements and the power of online petitions. The call for deportation, while symbolic and unlikely to have legal standing, reflects the depth of feeling her political comments have ignited.
Rammy Diaspora's comment pointed to a perceived hypocrisy: "Then they come to Africa and Say they defend 'right to speak'. Why they don't respect Nick's Words." This sentiment underscores a broader conversation about free speech and the consequences celebrities face when entering the political arena.
As the online debate continues, the petition against Nicki Minaj serves as a flashpoint in the ongoing culture wars, with her connection to Nigerian issues ensuring the story resonates strongly with audiences in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
