Celebrity Exchange Expands as Minaj, Vance, and Allies Weigh In
The online exchange intensified when Vice President J.D. Vance responded directly, inserting himself into a long-standing rivalry within hip-hop culture. In a post shared Wednesday, Vance wrote, “Nicki > Cardi.” The remark immediately caught attention, signaling a rare crossover between high-level politics and entertainment debates that typically remain confined to fan communities.
Minaj replied the following day with a comment that extended the conversation into the political arena. “The Vance > The Gav Nots,” she wrote, a phrase widely interpreted as a pointed jab at California Governor Gavin Newsom. The wording fueled speculation that Minaj was aligning herself more openly with Vance while distancing herself from prominent Democratic figures.
The exchange did not stop there. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz joined the conversation by amplifying Vance’s post and referencing Minaj’s devoted fanbase, known as the Barbs. Waltz wrote, “VP of the Barbs!” a comment that further blurred the line between political messaging and pop culture engagement.
Minaj continued sharing posts that criticized Newsom while praising President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance, sustaining the momentum of the discussion throughout the day. Her activity kept the topic trending and prompted renewed debate over the influence of celebrity voices in political discourse.
As of now, Newsom has not publicly responded to Minaj’s remarks. Her criticism comes shortly after another high-profile entertainer distanced herself from the California governor, following public comments made by actress Halle Berry earlier in the week. The timing has drawn additional attention to a growing pattern of entertainers openly challenging or rejecting Democratic leadership figures.
The episode underscores how social media platforms have become a central stage for political dialogue, where musicians, actors, and elected officials interact directly before a global audience. With millions of followers, Minaj’s engagement has once again demonstrated how celebrity commentary can rapidly shape and amplify political conversations well beyond traditional news cycles.