Minaj will address the UN, partnering with the White House to spotlight alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria amid growing political tensions.
Nicki Minaj is preparing to step onto a global stage in an unexpected way, partnering with the White House to address claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
The Trinidadian-born, U.S.-based rapper will deliver a speech at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, according to reports first shared by a Time journalist.
The effort was reportedly arranged by Alex Bruesewitz, a political adviser to President Donald Trump.
The plan was later confirmed by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz, who praised Minaj as both a cultural icon and a principled advocate using her platform to draw attention to human rights concerns.
Waltz said he looks forward to standing alongside the rapper as they discuss what the current U.S. administration is doing to address violence against Christian communities in Nigeria.
Minaj publicly expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling the responsibility “an opportunity of this magnitude” and acknowledging the influence of her fanbase, the Barbz. “We will never stand down in the face of injustice,” she wrote on X, adding that her platform must serve a “bigger purpose.”
Ambassador, I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know.
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) November 17, 2025
The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose. 🎀 https://t.co/Mdh0nBWwm1
The collaboration comes shortly after Minaj reposted and supported a Truth Social message from Trump, in which he criticized Nigeria’s government for failing to prevent attacks on Christians.
Conservative Christian groups have recently pressured Trump to designate Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged widespread religious persecution.
However, Trump’s remarks did not acknowledge violence carried out against Muslims, who have also been targeted by extremist groups such as Boko Haram.
Minaj’s comments echoed Trump’s concerns, thanking the president and his team and expressing gratitude for religious freedom in the United States.
Trump escalated his rhetoric further, threatening potential U.S. military intervention in Nigeria, calling the country “disgraced” and warning of a fast and forceful response if American troops were deployed.
Nigeria’s leadership has pushed back firmly against these statements.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stressed that Nigeria is a secular democracy that guarantees religious liberty, despite its near-even split between Muslims and Christians.
Analysts caution that violence in Nigeria often has complex roots extending beyond religion, involving ethnic tensions, land conflicts, criminal activity, and competition over dwindling natural resources.
While attacks on Christian communities have drawn significant international attention, experts note that kidnappings and violence frequently stem from criminal motives rather than purely religious ones.
Clergy members are often targeted because their communities are viewed as capable of raising ransom quickly.
Minaj’s upcoming UN speech is expected to bring renewed global attention to these issues, adding a high-profile voice to an already complex and politically charged conversation.
