Tensions flared online this week after Nicki Minaj publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over remarks he made about transgender youth, sparking a viral back-and-forth that blended politics, pop culture, and music feuds.
The dispute began following Newsom’s December 10 appearance on The Ezra Klein Show, where he highlighted his record on LGBTQ issues. “I want to see trans kids,” Newsom said, adding, “There’s no governor that signed more pro-trans legislation than I have, and no one’s been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ community.”
Minaj responded days later with a barrage of posts on X, sharply criticizing Newsom’s phrasing and intentions. “Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids,” she wrote. “Normal adults wake up & think they want to see healthy, safe, happy kids.”
She continued to mock the governor personally and politically, writing in another post, “Gavin is the cute boy who got everything handed to him… He thinks he’s Tom Cruise. Only difference is his next mission IS impossible.” In subsequent posts, Minaj described Newsom as a “career politician” and suggested it was “the end of the road” for his ambitions.
Newsom did not directly address Minaj’s comments, but he later shared a cryptic video that many viewers interpreted as a response. Captioned only with a zipped-mouth emoji, the montage featured clips of Newsom alongside Donald Trump, set to Hiss by Megan Thee Stallion — a track widely regarded as a diss aimed at Minaj.
The song choice was seen as deliberate, given Minaj’s long-running feud with Megan Thee Stallion and the controversy surrounding lyrics referencing “Megan’s Law.” In Newsom’s video, the lyric played over an image of Trump standing beside Jeffrey Epstein, further intensifying online speculation about the video’s message.
Minaj quickly fired back again, warning that the situation could escalate. “Oh Gavvy Pooh, the ppl behind you clearly don’t care about you,” she wrote, later adding, “This won’t get the results you guys are hoping for… I can go 8 stages deeper.” She capped off her response by sharing an edited image depicting herself overpowering Newsom in a wrestling ring.
The exchange highlights how quickly political rhetoric can collide with celebrity culture — and how social media continues to blur the lines between the two.
SOURCE: Billboard