This week, the internet reminded Nicki Minaj—and everyone else—that the rapper has a history of criticizing the Trumps, including calling Melania ‘brainless’ in 2016.
As the rapper continues to publicly lean into her support for President Donald Trump, an old clip from her past has resurfaced and is now colliding head-on with her present. The timing couldn’t be more awkward.
Nicki Minaj made headlines after attending the world premiere of Melania, a documentary centered on former First Lady Melania Trump, at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center on January 29. She appeared relaxed and cheerful on the red carpet, posing for photos and seemingly unbothered by the political weight of the moment. For many observers, it was another signal that Nicki’s political allegiance is no longer subtle. It’s loud, intentional, and here to stay.
But social media never watches quietly.
Soon after her appearance at the premiere, online sleuths pulled a clip from Nicki’s 2015 Tidal Festival performance, where the rapper delivered a fiery onstage rant about women in political power. In the footage, Minaj praised Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, then took a sharp turn, warning men against ending up with a woman like Melania Trump. She used language that was dismissive, biting, and undeniably harsh, referring to Melania as “brainless.”
““Barack [Obama] needed a Michelle and Bill [Clinton] needed a Hilary,” she said during a speech to the audience. “You [men] better pray to God you don’t stuck with a motherf-ckin’ Melania. You n—as want brainless b-tches?”
The clip spread fast.
For longtime fans, the moment felt jarring, not because Nicki once criticized Melania, but because she is now publicly supporting her. For critics, it was proof of inconsistency.
Nicki’s recent actions have only fueled the debate. Just a day before the Melania premiere, she appeared at a summit celebrating the launch of Trump Accounts, where she introduced Donald Trump himself. Onstage, she declared she was likely the president’s “number one fan,” adding that her loyalty was not going to change. The statement drew immediate reactions online, particularly from fans who remember a very different Nicki, one who once positioned herself firmly outside conservative politics.
The contrast between then and now is hard to ignore.
At the time of writing, Minaj has not responded to the resurfaced clip or the renewed backlash surrounding it. And she may not.
The internet doesn’t forget.
