New York: The world-renowned rapper Nicki Minaj has made headlines by supporting US President Donald Trump’s assertions regarding the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Speaking at an event hosted by the US embassy to the United Nations, Minaj praised Trump for his stance on the issue, despite the claims being dismissed as “unfounded” by the Nigerian government and international experts.
According to Deutsche Welle, Minaj used her platform to amplify Trump’s call for “urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria” and to address the issue of extremism. She expressed gratitude to Trump for prioritizing this matter and commended his leadership in advocating for those facing religious persecution.
Minaj’s social media presence, where she discusses issues related to Christians in Nigeria, reaches millions of followers. At the UN event, she stood alongside US ambassador Mike Waltz, highlighting the plight of Christians in Nigeria who, according to her, face severe threats, including being “targeted, driven from their homes and killed.” She described incidents of churches being burned, families being torn apart, and communities living in constant fear due to their religious practices.
The rapper, who hails from Trinidad, emphasized that her call for protecting Christians in Nigeria is an appeal for unity rather than division. She reiterated the need for global solidarity in the face of religious persecution.
President Trump has accused Nigeria of allowing violence against Christians by “Islamist terrorists,” echoing concerns from some US Christian conservative groups. He has even suggested the possibility of military intervention. However, Nigerian officials have consistently refuted these accusations, highlighting that Muslims are the primary victims of the Islamist insurgency within the country.
Minaj’s provocative style has previously put her at odds with religious conservatives in the US. Notably, in 2012, her performance at the Grammy Awards included a man dressed as the Pope and a staged exorcism, which drew ire from Christian groups.