U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas says Nicki Minaj’s recent political positions have crossed a line she can’t ignore — and as a result, the congresswoman says she’s no longer supporting the rapper’s music.
Speaking this week, Crockett made clear that while she understands the long-running debate over separating art from the artist, that distinction no longer works for her when it comes to Minaj.
The Democratic lawmaker, and a strong contender in the ongoing Texas Senate race, said she has little interest in financially supporting artists whose public platforms now amplify political views she finds deeply troubling.
Crockett, who described herself as “more of a Cardi fan anyway,” pointed to Minaj’s increasingly visible alignment with right-wing politics as the turning point. In particular, she criticized what she described as the contradiction of an immigrant celebrity publicly embracing an administration and political movement that has aggressively targeted undocumented immigrants.
“We’re in a moment that’s too serious for sellouts,” Crockett said in an intervew with TMZ, arguing that cultural influence carries responsibility — especially during a politically volatile period in the United States.
While Crockett stressed she does not know Minaj’s motivations, she speculated that the rapper’s political shift could be tied to personal or legal considerations, noting that Minaj’s husband and brother have faced legal issues in the past. Crockett framed the remarks as conjecture, explaining that her larger concern is the impact of money and attention in sustaining political platforms.
“Money gives people a megaphone,” Crockett said, adding that she no longer wants to contribute to a platform being used to promote views she cannot support.
Minaj has drawn attention in recent months for openly backing elements of President Donald Trump’s agenda. Her appearances and public statements — including participation in a Turning Point USA event and support for controversial political actions — have sparked backlash from critics across entertainment and political circles.
A forthcoming interview between Minaj and Katie Miller, a conservative media figure and the wife of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, has also generated scrutiny.
In promotional clips, Minaj addresses transgender issues, saying she supports transgender adults while opposing gender-affirming surgeries for minors — comments that have further fueled debate online.
Despite her alignment with conservative causes, Minaj is notably absent from Turning Point USA’s planned Super Bowl counterprogramming event. Crockett hinted there may be strategic reasons for the decision, though she declined to elaborate.
For the Texas congresswoman, the issue ultimately comes down to values over nostalgia. “I can’t divorce the art from the artist,” Crockett said.
Rep. Crockett made it clear in the TMZ interview that Nicki Minaj’s music is no longer part of her playlist — or her political tolerance.
