Nicki Minaj Criticizes NY Governor Kathy Hochul, Hochul Responds with Trump Jab

Rapper Nicki Minaj has publicly criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul, labeling her an "evil woman" and urging voters to support Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. Minaj expressed her sentiments across social media platform X, imploring Black voters and Christians to oppose Hochul.

"Kathy Hochul is an evil woman. The Democratic Party should forfeit her seat because even if she wins, she will be of great consequence to them. Downward spiral for her. She will not escape God’s wrath. She did not denounce evil when she had the chance," Minaj posted.

Minaj specifically referenced a remark Hochul made in 2024 about "Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is." Hochul had previously apologized for the comment, stating she "misspoke and I regret it."

"How much more do you need to see & hear from them?!! How dare you as black people vote for this vile wicked curse of a woman? How dare you as Christians?! She stays silent on harm being caused to the innocent & this is what she thinks of your children! Vote Blakeman!" Minaj wrote in a subsequent post.

Minaj also commented on Hochul's remarks at a church event in 2025, where the governor joked about liquor store visits while discussing her inflation rebate initiative. "Don't stop by the liquor store, OK? Buy something for the kids — buy them some food. Sometimes I have to stop by the liquor store, too. I understand," Hochul had said. Minaj responded, "So not only does she keep horrible company & laugh at the demonic things her friends do behind the scenes to people who aren't as politically powerful…Dear God, help us." The bishop of the church later defended Hochul's comments, stating they were made within the context of his sermon.

During a campaign appearance, Governor Hochul addressed Minaj's criticisms. When asked about the rapper's remarks, Hochul suggested that Minaj's views might have been influenced by her interactions with former President Donald Trump. "I don’t play games in this business. This is serious," Hochul stated. "You can ask her what she’s been, how she’s been poisoned by Donald Trump."

Hochul added, "After Donald Trump and Magaworld has vanished, and they go back into their dark holes where they came from, hopefully we can have a reawakening and people like her and others will realize that they were fed a vision of this country that is not what Americans feel. And so, being an outlier right now, that’s her choice."

Minaj has previously expressed support for Trump and appeared with him at campaign events for Republican candidates. She was on stage with Trump at a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, in late October, where she reiterated her support for him.

Social media reactions to the exchange were divided, with some users praising Hochul's response and others siding with Minaj's criticisms.