WATCH: Nicki Minaj discusses faith and politics with Erika Kirk at Turning Point USA conference

Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest on Sunday. The four-day event was the first major summit for the conservative youth organization after the assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk.

Minaj joined Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, onstage for a conversation about faith, politics and her tweets about California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

When asked what she wants her legacy to be, Minaj said: "That it's okay to change your mind."

"I've performed for huge crowds all around the world, and no matter how many songs I do on that stage, it didn't mean as much as this," she said.

Directly addressing the young people in the crowd at times, Minaj also spoke at length about the persecution of Christians.

"We absolutely cannot let people who have a problem with us worshiping God, we cannot have them in power," Minaj said.

Recently, the rapper has been outspoken about violence against Christians in Nigeria and other political issues. Minaj is best known for several hits in the 2010s, including "Super Bass," "Moment 4 Life" and "Starships."

Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app

Find more from PBS NewsHour at

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

X (formerly Twitter)

Subscribe:

PBS NewsHour podcasts

Newsletters