Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest event, engaging in a question-and-answer session. Minaj, who has shifted her political allegiance from Democrats such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump, previously collaborated with the Trump administration, notably addressing the United Nations in November to discuss the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. During her appearance, she praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their connection with the American public and expressed gratitude for the freedom of worship in the United States. She referenced Trump's statements on the threats to Christianity in Nigeria, asserting that no group should face persecution for their religious practices and calling for prayers for those affected.

In addition to her political endorsements, Minaj has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's policies regarding transgender children. Erika Kirk, the newly appointed chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, also spoke at the event, reflecting on her late husband's legacy and emphasizing the importance of active political engagement.

Simultaneously, the White House released a 20-second advertisement featuring actor Jon Hamm, known for his support of Democratic candidates. The ad includes an AI-generated image of former President Trump, accompanied by a caption referencing Trump's claim that the United States is the 'hottest country' in the world. The advertisement has attracted significant attention on social media, amassing over one million views on the platform X. The timing of the ad's release coincided with a deadline for the Justice Department to disclose the Epstein Files, which has faced criticism for being heavily redacted. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged the missed deadline but indicated that more documents would be forthcoming.

Social media users have suggested that the ad may serve as a distraction from the Epstein Files controversy, with comments highlighting the timing of its release. The White House has previously faced scrutiny for utilizing celebrity endorsements in its advertisements, including a recent incident involving pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who criticized the administration for using her song in a deportation ad. This trend raises questions about the ethical implications of leveraging celebrity influence in political messaging, particularly in contexts that may obscure pressing social issues.