Nicki Minaj’s outspoken support of Donald Trump in recent months has created an unexpected fracture within one of hip-hop’s most loyal fan bases. While some Barbz remain firmly in her corner, others are beginning to step away, saying this moment feels different from past controversies—and harder to ignore.
The growing divide played out publicly during a recent episode of TMZ Live, where two Nicki Minaj fans debated whether her political stance is a dealbreaker. According to TMZ, both guests represented opposite ends of the Barbz spectrum.
One fan, Blair Thompson, explained why he’s distancing himself. He argued that Nicki’s recent messaging conflicts with the values of communities that have consistently supported her over the years, including Black fans and parts of the LGBTQ+ community. In Blair’s view, Minaj’s political alignment represents a betrayal—not only of those supporters, but of herself.
On the other side was Tre, also known as “Tre The Entertainer,” who made it clear he’s not going anywhere. A Barb since age 13 and now 30, Tre said growing older helped him realize that people’s views can evolve. He also revealed that he personally supports Trump as well and prefers to separate Nicki’s music from her political beliefs.
Blair pushed back, urging Tre to talk with friends in the LGBTQ+ community and consider how Nicki’s statements and actions may land with them. He also criticized Minaj for what he described as taking an “easy route” to U.S. citizenship through Trump’s so-called Gold Card program, and suggested that her ongoing feuds with artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B point to deeper bitterness and insecurity.
That Gold Card became part of the conversation after Nicki herself showed it off on X. The non-refundable $1 million payment reportedly goes to the U.S. Treasury and grants permanent residency under EB-1 or EB-2 visa pathways—fueling even more debate about privilege and access.
Tre closed out the discussion by claiming his TikTok followers overwhelmingly agree with his stance, reinforcing the idea that the Barbz are far from unified on the issue.
As Nicki Minaj continues to stand by her political views, it’s clear the conversations—and confrontations—within her fan base aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Whether this rift widens or settles may depend on how firmly she keeps that Trump co-sign front and center.
