Heidi N Closet labels Nicki Minaj 'MAGA Minaj' after Turning Point USA appearance, rapper responds
Photo: Reuters/VH1
Nicki Minaj has responded publicly after RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Heidi N Closet referred to her as “MAGA Minaj” in a post on X, prompting a brief online exchange that drew attention across social media.
The rapper had recently appeared at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where she praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The appearance led to criticism from some fans and public figures, including drag performers affected by policies associated with the administration.
On Monday, Heidi N Closet shared a post addressing Minaj’s political positioning. “MAGA Minaj,” she wrote, “so it was more then just my hair and makeup you hated.”
MAGA Minaj 👀👀👀 so it was more then just my hair and makeup you hated @NICKIMINAJ
Minaj replied the following day with a quote-tweet featuring an asterisk, the word “than,” and an image of herself holding a microphone, correcting the grammatical error rather than directly addressing the criticism. The response quickly circulated online, with many interpreting it as a deflection.
*than https://t.co/BVPjFaF9oI pic.twitter.com/ndXRyvonei
Heidi later returned to the discussion with another post that did not name Minaj directly but referenced her stance. “The mug and hair was a chop that day I can admit that!!” she wrote. “However something I can say is I never have nor will stand with pedos.”
The exchange prompted mixed reactions across X, with some users criticising Minaj’s focus on grammar. One post read, “Nothing says ‘I lost the argument’ than correcting spelling.” Others questioned the image Minaj used in her response, suggesting it appeared heavily edited.
Supporters of Minaj also weighed in, though some users noted fewer typical fan responses than expected. “Her replies being blue check right wing accounts omfggg the barbs are goneee,” one user wrote.
While the interaction was brief, it highlighted the broader debate surrounding Minaj’s recent political affiliations and the reaction from figures within the drag community.