Nicki Minaj has made a dramatic return to social media in 2026, posting a pointed message directed at a former CNN journalist following criticism from her fan base.
Nicki Minaj has been a favorite for many music enthusiasts for over ten years, leaving a significant impact on the music of the 2010s.
Recently, however, she has sparked frustration among her fans by seemingly altering her political views.
The 43-year-old rapper has recently shown support for various conservative figures, attending a Turning Point USA event and expressing praise for both Donald Trump and JD Vance.
This shift seemed to distance some of her long-time followers who recall her previously vocal criticisms of Trump.
Eventually, Minaj decided to deactivate or remove her Instagram account, catching her followers off guard.
Nonetheless, the criticism persisted, with some even starting petitions to have her deported to her birthplace of Trinidad and Tobago.
This follows Minaj’s previous acknowledgment that she arrived in the U.S. illegally at age five and her admission during a TikTok live that she never became a U.S. citizen officially.
The petitions lack significant grounds for action as Minaj holds a green card, which grants non-U.S. citizens the right to live and work in the country permanently.
While Minaj’s presence on X is sparse since her Instagram exit, she recently directed a heated message at former CNN journalist Don Lemon.
She wrote: “DON ‘C**K SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU?
“I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!”
This seemed to be a reaction to Lemon’s recent interview with a Minneapolis pastor for his YouTube show.
During the interview, pastor Jonathan Parnell was confronted by anti-ICE protestors as they entered the church, chanting against David Easterwood, whom they alleged was the Acting Field Office Director for ICE in St. Paul.
This protest action led to widespread criticism online, with Lemon becoming embroiled in the controversy.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on X, mentioning that the Justice Department is investigating the event for possible FACE Act violations.
Bondi stated: “I just spoke to the Pastor in Minnesota whose church was targeted. Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.
“If state leaders refuse to act responsibly to prevent lawlessness, this Department of Justice will remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes and ensure that the rule of law prevails.”