Jasmine Crockett Criticizes Nicki Minaj Over Support for Trump’s Immigration Agenda

2026-02-07 - 15:47

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has sharply criticized rapper Nicki Minaj, condemning what she described as the artist’s full embrace of former President Donald Trump and his immigration policies as a betrayal of immigrant communities. Speaking with TMZ on Feb. 3, Crockett was asked to weigh in on Minaj’s recent appearance at Trump’s Accounts Summit last month, where the rapper held Trump’s hand and publicly referred to herself as his “No. 1 fan.” The moment sparked widespread backlash online, particularly given Minaj’s Trinidadian immigrant background and Trump’s hardline immigration record. “I just don’t do sellouts, especially in this moment,” Crockett said. “Things are too serious. There are too many people that are being harmed.” The Democratic lawmaker, who is also considered a potential U.S. Senate contender, argued that Minaj’s support for the Trump administration is especially troubling given its policies toward immigrants and those who advocate on their behalf. “Especially with her being an immigrant, then deciding to go and cozy up to this administration that is specifically putting targets on the backs of immigrants and anyone who stands with them — that is wrong,” Crockett said. “I don’t even understand how you can play with it and pretend like it’s anything but wrong.” Crockett further speculated that Minaj’s public alignment with Trump may be motivated by personal interests, suggesting the rapper could be seeking immigration relief or a pardon for a family member. She also criticized Minaj for her recent attacks on journalist Don Lemon, whom the rapper publicly targeted and called for his arrest after he covered an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church. That demonstration reportedly led to Lemon and other Black journalists being briefly threatened with arrest. “But going after people like Don Lemon, who I love dearly, is just wrong,” Crockett said. “She’s just on the wrong side of history.” The congresswoman urged the public to remember Minaj’s actions should the rapper attempt to distance herself from the movement in the future. While Crockett acknowledged that she was once a fan of Minaj’s music, she added pointedly, “I’ve always loved Cardi more.” Minaj has not publicly responded to Crockett’s remarks.