To say people were unhappy with Nicki Minaj showing up at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest last month would be putting it lightly. The Trinidadian rapper’s fairly sudden embrace of conservative politics has not sat well with many longtime fans or the wider public. For some, that frustration has gone beyond online reactions and turned into something more formal.
In case you missed it, tens of thousands of people are now backing a petition calling for Nicki Minaj’s deportation. According to Billboard, roughly 50,000 individuals have signed the document, which has been circulating on Change.org since December 27.
Beneath an image of Minaj high fiving Erika Kirk, the widowed wife of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, the petition’s description lays out the disappointment surrounding Nicki’s recent political stance.
“This is personal for those of us who watched Nicki rise as a beacon of hope, only to feel abandoned by her shift in values.”
The statement goes on to say, “Her public platform carries weight and responsibility, and her recent statements are a stark contrast to the solidarity she once showed, leaving many feeling deflated and disillusioned. Deporting Nicki Minaj back to Trinidad would serve as a reminder that public figures need to be accountable for their words and the broader impact they have on diverse communities.”
For now, it remains to be seen whether any of this leads to real consequences. That said, Nicki previously shared in 2024 that she is not a U.S. citizen. She has also said in the past that she entered the United States illegally when she was five years old.
Despite the Trump administration’s hardline approach to undocumented immigration, Nicki has continued to stand by the former president.
Her public support began in October 2025 and gained even more attention in November when she applauded his comments about the reported persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Beyond social media, she also addressed the issue in a speech at a United Nations event.
“I would like to thank President Trump for prioritizing this issue,” she said. “And his leadership on the global stage in calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria and to combat extremism and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to express their natural right to freedom of religion or belief.”
Elton John has shared his family’s yearly summer playlist on the latest episode of his Rocket Hour show on Apple Music, with songs chosen together with his husband David Furnish and their sons, Zachary and Elijah.
During his appearance on Apple Music 1, the musician revealed that the family puts every song suggestion to a vote at home, with a track needing at least three votes before making the final cut. The playlist is packed with energetic songs, matching the family’s love for lively and feel good music throughout the summer.
The playlist brings together different generations and musical styles, combining iconic names from previous decades with newer electronic artists and dance music producers.
Among the songs chosen are Stevie Wonder’s "Higher Ground," Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Could You Be Loved," and Tom Petty’s "Runnin' Down A Dream." John also praised Petty’s music, describing the 1989 album Full Moon Fever as one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
Zachary and Elijah’s musical tastes are also represented, with the playlist featuring current UK club tracks alongside familiar reggae and pop favorites. John singled out "Free Your Mind," the collaboration between Leeds dance duo Prospa and producer Cloonee, as one song his sons especially enjoy.
The broadcast also features a mix of electronic and crossover sounds, including Peggy Gou and Ayra Starr’s "Wo, man," Jamie xx’s "Baddy On the Floor" featuring Honey Dijon, Barry Can’t Swim’s "Return To Bhibo," and Fisher’s reworking of Bob Sinclar’s "World, Hold On." Other artists included in the selection are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lykke Li, Groove Armada, Kacey Musgraves, Wiz Khalifa, and Role Model.
John noted that the songs played during the radio show are only part of the much larger playlist the family listens to during the summer.
The complete episode of Rocket Hour can be streamed on demand through Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
