Nicki Minaj’s social media propped up by thousands of bots, analysis finds

Politico

by By Jason Beeferman

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Nicki Minaj has emerged as a prominent figure in conservative circles, leveraging her social media presence to promote MAGA talking points and criticize Democratic leaders like California Gov. Gavin Newsom. An analysis by Cyabra, an disinformation detection company, reveals that over 18,000 bots were used to amplify her posts on X, driving significant engagement and helping her gain millions of views. This coordinated effort not only boosted her visibility but also positioned her as a valuable partner for the White House, culminating in her invitation to the Trump Summit, where she received praise from President Trump. The report highlights how these bots operated by consistently praising Minaj’s content with repetitive and simplistic language, particularly during periods when authentic accounts were critical of her. For instance, on December 26, bots accounted for 56% of comments on her political posts. This manipulation extended beyond politics to include amplifying her music-related content, blending her artistic identity with conservative messaging. Such tactics are rare in the entertainment industry but have become a common tool in modern politics, often linked to efforts to influence public opinion. The significance lies in the intersection of celebrity and politics. While bots are frequently used in political campaigns to spread misinformation or amplify narratives, their deployment for a celebrity like Minaj is unusual. This case underscores how such strategies can shape public perception, merging entertainment with political discourse to create a powerful influence machine. The findings raise questions about the extent of coordinated efforts to manipulate social media conversations and highlights the need for greater transparency in online engagement. This phenomenon matters because it demonstrates how technology can be weaponized to skew public opinion, even in cultural spaces like music. As Minaj’s case shows, such tactics can blur the lines between genuine popularity and manufactured influence, potentially eroding trust in both political and entertainment figures. The report also points to a broader trend of leveraging bots for geopolitical and ideological purposes, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing such manipulation in digital spaces.

Verticals

politicsnews

Originally published on Politico on 2/23/2026