Erika Kirk, the widow of slain right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, did not take issue with Nicki Minaj referring to Vice President JD Vance as an “assassin” while the rapper was praising conservative leaders during a sit-down on Sunday.
On September 10, 2025, Kirk, 31, was assassinated during a question-and-answer session with students while at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The fatal shooting was captured on video, and the footage went viral on social media. His killing also made global headlines.
Minaj, 43, described Vance as an “assassin” during a discussion with Erika at a Turning Point USA festival, per Reuters. Erika’s deceased husband founded the conservative youth movement.
“Dear 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,” Minaj said before pausing and covering her mouth.
Though Minaj seemingly noticed her gaffe after she made the comment, Erika, with a smile, assured the rapper that she held no ill will toward her.
“Trust me, there’s nothing new under the sun that I have not heard, so you’re fine… I love you. You have to laugh about it truly,” Erika told Minaj. “You say what you want to say, because I know your heart and I will not judge that.”
The suspect accused of killing Erika’s husband, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested after he turned himself in to authorities on September 11. Robinson faces a slew of charges, including aggravated murder.
Following Kirk’s assassination, many Conservatives have been calling for campuses to honor him by erecting his statue. But critics have registered their displeasure with that initiative, making reference to several of Kirk’s controversial comments.
????HUGE BLUNDER: Nicki Minaj just referred to JD Vance as an “assassin” while speaking to Erika Kirk. Watch her completely squirm when she realizes what she said.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) December 21, 2025
An absolutely massive fuckup caught live: pic.twitter.com/FGJO6xCo0Z
