New York: Rapper Nicki Minaj recently voiced her support for US President Donald Trump’s assertions regarding the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Despite these claims being refuted by both the Nigerian government and international experts as “unfounded,” Minaj praised Trump’s stance during an event organized by the US embassy to the United Nations, acknowledging his “prioritization” and “leadership” on the issue.
According to Deutsche Welle, Minaj has taken to social media, where she boasts millions of followers, to express her concerns about the situation facing Christians in Nigeria. She emphasized Trump’s call for “urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria” and to address “extremism,” while pledging to stand against “injustice” for those persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Minaj stated that Christians in Nigeria are allegedly being “targeted, driven from their homes and killed,” and that churches have been destroyed, families separated, and entire communities live in fear due to their faith. She made these remarks while appearing alongside the US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz.
Despite her provocative history with religious conservatives, Minaj, who was born in Trinidad, clarified that her call to protect Christians in Nigeria is not about creating divisions but about fostering “unity among humanity.” Trump’s recent accusations against Nigeria suggest that the country is allowing violence against Christians by “Islamist terrorists,” echoing the concerns of some US Christian conservatives. He has even threatened military intervention over the issue.
Nigerian authorities, however, have consistently denied Trump’s allegations, highlighting that Muslims are predominantly the victims of Islamist insurgency within the country. Known for her controversial lyrics and performances, Minaj has previously clashed with the US religious right, notably when she attended the 2012 Grammy Awards with a man dressed as the Pope, followed by a mock exorcism, which drew ire from many Christians in the US.