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Nicki Minaj Backs Trump’s Call for Global Action on Religious Persecution in Nigeria
A star steps into a global debate
Nicki Minaj is no stranger to global headlines, but this time it was not her music or celebrity persona that drew attention. Instead, she used her platform at a United States embassy event linked to the United Nations to highlight a crisis she believes is being overlooked. Standing beside Washington’s ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, she thanked Donald Trump for bringing international focus to the persecution of religious minorities in Nigeria.
Her message was direct. She called for urgency, protection, and a renewed global conversation about people who face violence simply because of their faith. For an artist who dominates charts rather than political stages, it was a moment that turned heads across the world.
Why Nigeria became part of Minaj’s advocacy
Minaj has spoken before about her concerns for Christians in Nigeria. She has posted to her millions of followers about the killings taking place in parts of the country and shared messages urging prayers for those who cannot worship freely.
At the event, she did not hold back. She described families torn apart, communities forced to flee, churches burned, and people killed for practising their religion. Her stance mirrored Trump’s repeated statements on the issue, including his claim that Nigeria’s government has failed to stop attacks carried out by extremist groups. Nigerian officials strongly deny this and insist that terrorism affects people of many faiths.
A moment that sparked reactions online
Social media lit up within minutes of Minaj’s comments circulating. Some praised her for using her influence to highlight a humanitarian concern. Others questioned her alignment with Trump on an issue that has become politically charged in the United States. Many Nigerian users voiced frustration that their country was again being framed through the lens of conflict, while others said the global attention was overdue.
The contrast between Minaj’s globally recognised feminist image and her public support of a cause championed by conservative American groups added another layer to public discussion. Yet she made her intentions clear. She said the protection of Christians in Nigeria is not about division. It is about unity and the right to worship freely.
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History meets present tension
Minaj’s advocacy comes at a time when Nigeria’s internal security challenges continue to draw scrutiny. Extremist violence in parts of the country has long affected communities of different faiths. This is something officials in Abuja frequently repeat. At the same time, international observers and rights groups have noted that Christian communities in certain regions have faced particularly severe attacks.
Waltz echoed this, saying that while Nigerian authorities insist all faith groups suffer, evidence continues to show disproportionate harm experienced by Christians in some areas.
A complex conversation made louder
Minaj’s involvement guarantees one thing. A global audience that does not often follow African religious or political affairs is now paying attention. Her voice, combined with Trump’s renewed focus on the issue, has reopened debates about how the international community should respond and how Nigeria should balance its security messaging with the realities faced by affected communities.
Her closing thought was simple but firm. People should be free to worship without fear. For Minaj, this is not about sides in a political fight. It is about humanity.
Also read: Trump’s Empty Seat at the G20 Becomes South Africa’s Chance to Shape the Global Agenda
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: France 24
