Entering 2026, we look back and see the brave soldiers who fell to Turning Point U.S.A. conventions, Mar-a-Lago haircuts and veterans who ironically support some policies from a specific presidential campaign. Fans questioned who their idols really were.
Nicki Minaj: Is it “Pink Friday” or “Red Friday?”
Minaj, known as the “Queen of Rap,” had a massive influence on rap music since her first musical release in 2010. One of the few women to make an influence on rap music at the time, Minaj is a musical genius with her catchy beats, clever lyrics and influential personas. Minaj made a mark, but no one ever thought that mark would land in the republican box on her voting ballot.
Minaj’s first hints of red were in 2021 when she spoke out against COVID-19 vaccines, canceling her attendance at the MET Gala after the shot was required, so when Minaj sang “My gun a go gun shot / Inna dem bloodclaat,” she probably meant actual gunshots instead of the vaccine shot.
As if that was not enough, in Dec. of 2025, Minaj attended a Turning Point U.S.A. rally in support of Charlie and Erika Kirk.
“I love you,” Erika even said to Minaj.
That alleged “love” is just slightly ironic, as Charlie Kirk once said word for word: “Black culture is being held captive by influences, songs, and role models … Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, I don’t think that’s a good role model for 18-year-old Black girls.”
Minaj once sang “It’s a bunch of mini-mes, I’m the one they mockin’,” but her influence has since fallen: most Barbz — hardcore Minaj fans — quit the fandom after she praised controversial figures.
Dennis Quiad… wait, who is that again?
With a name not so recognizable, his face is just the opposite; Quaid starred in heartfelt movies like “A Dog’s Purpose” and “The Parent Trap,” as well as some progressive sci-fi movies like “The Day After Tomorrow” and “The Substance.” In “The Day After Tomorrow,” his character warns the government about climate change and its damage.
Trump shared his thoughts on global warming back in 2014. This tweet now serves as a reference for Trump’s views on climate change.
“As president, the only thing I liked about Trump was everything he did,” Quaid said regarding Trump and his presidency, ironically coming from the man who played a character worrying about the entire world freezing.
Sydney Sweeney “has great jea-,” yeah let’s not finish that sentence again
Sweeney is most known for her courageous and messy character, Cassie Howard, on the critically acclaimed show, “Euphoria.” Unfortunately, Sweeney takes her role of Howard a little too literally — method acting, anyone? — making a mess around Hollywood.
Her whole jeans ad for American Eagle was a little too self-obsessive. The mixing of “jean” and “gene” used in the ad led to some very serious white supremacy allegations, to which Trump tweeted his support. When Sweeney was asked about her thoughts on Trump’s shout out, she called it a “surreal” moment. Was that really the right thing to say?
Overall, many celebrities wear the political hypocrisies proudly as they spin through interviews and social media posts. The unfiltered honesty is admirable.
