Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at the Turning Point USA's AmericaFest event, where she engaged in a question-and-answer session. Minaj, who has shifted her political support from Democratic figures like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to former President 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 recent appearance, she praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their connection with the American populace and expressed gratitude for the freedom of worship in the United States. Minaj referenced Trump's comments on the threats faced by Christianity in Nigeria, emphasizing that no group should be persecuted for their religious beliefs and calling for prayers for those affected by global religious persecution.

In addition to her political engagements, Minaj has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's policies regarding transgender children. Erika Kirk, the new chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, also spoke at the event, reflecting on her late husband's legacy as a peacemaker and asserting a commitment to active political engagement.

In a separate development, 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 Donald 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 full contents of the Epstein Files, which has faced criticism for being heavily redacted. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged that the department missed the deadline but indicated that more documents would be forthcoming.

Social media users have suggested that the advertisement may serve as a distraction from the Epstein Files controversy, raising questions about the ethical implications of using celebrity endorsements in political messaging. This incident follows previous backlash against the White House for utilizing celebrity influence in its advertisements, including a recent case involving pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who criticized the administration for using her song in a deportation ad. Such instances highlight the complexities and potential consequences of leveraging celebrity culture in political discourse, particularly when they may obscure pressing social issues.