Nicki Minaj has described conservative activists as “the cool kids” in a sit-down interview with Erika Kirk in Phoenix.

The rapper was the surprise guest on the final day of the Turning Point USA conference in Arizona today (December 21), appearing in conversation with the organisation co-founder and widow of the murdered political commentator Charlie Kirk.

At a time when Minaj has been embracing conservative politics more and more frequently, she expressed her “respect and admiration” for the “handsome, dashing” Donald Trump, and doubled down on her recent criticisms of California governor Gavin Newsom.

“Don’t be Newscum,” she said, in reference to Newsom. “Young men, you have amazing role models like our handsome, dashing president, and you have amazing role models like the assassin JD Vance, our vice president.”

Her reference to Vance as an “assassin” prompted an uncomfortable response, given the nature of Charlie Kirk’s death earlier this year. Erika interrupted, however, stating: “Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard. So you’re fine.”

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“You have to laugh about it, truly,” Kirk added. “I have been called every single thing, and you know what? God is so good. You let it roll right off your back and this is what’s so beautiful about this moment, because if the internet wants to clip it, who cares? I love Nicki. She’s an amazing woman. She has a soul and a heart for the Lord. And words are words, but I know her heart and it doesn’t even matter. And you say what you want to say, because I know your heart and I will not judge that, sister.”

Kirk went on to ask Minaj about the backlash she’s faced for her recent comments. “I didn’t notice,” she responded. “I don’t think about them… We’re the cool kids. The other people, they’re the ones who are disgruntled, but really they’re just disgruntled with themselves.”

Expanding on her respect for the MAGA movement, Minaj added: “I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president… he’s given so many people hope that there’s a chance to beat the bad guys and to win and to do it with your head held high and your integrity intact. … This administration is full of people with heart and soul., and they make me proud of them.”

Earlier this month, Minaj and Newsom traded comments on social media, after the governor said “no one has been a stronger advocate for the LGBT community” than him.

Minaj hit back: “Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids. Haha. Not even a trans ADULT would run on that. Normal adults wake up & think they want to see HEALTHY, SAFE, HAPPY kids. Not Gav. The Gav Nots. GavOUT. Send in the next guy, I’m bored.”

Newsom’s post followed Vice President JD Vance seemingly taking a side in the recently reignited Nicki Minaj and Cardi B feud.