Cardi B performs during the 2025 Global Citizen Festival at Central Park’s Great Lawn on September 27, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
A political disagreement spilled into hip hop this week after Cardi B responded to claims from Republican strategist Alex Bruesewitz, an advisor to Donald Trump.
The dispute began after Politico journalist Jason Beeferman cited research from data analytics company Cyabra. The study suggested that about a third of social media accounts engaging with Nicki Minaj’s recent conservative-leaning posts appeared automated or inauthentic, hinting at potential coordinated promotion online.
Bruesewitz questioned the study’s credibility, noting it didn’t disclose a connection between Cyabra and an advisor tied to Cardi B. United Talent executive Mike G, who has an advisory and investment role with Cyabra, was the advisor in question. Bruesewitz argued that this relationship should have been disclosed, especially given the longstanding narrative of rivalry between the two artists.
Cardi B denied any involvement. She shared a statement from Mike G clarifying that his work with Cyabra had no link to her, then addressed Bruesewitz directly on X. In a series of posts, she criticized him for dragging her into an unrelated political debate, questioned his dismissal of the data, and even threatened legal action over his comments.
Bruesewitz clarified that he never accused Cardi B of orchestrating the report or manipulating data. He said transparency about professional relationships is crucial when media rely on third-party research and added that Minaj likely had no reason to artificially boost engagement, given her established success as one of the top female rappers in history.
His attorney, Joe McBride, echoed this view, stating that raising questions about potential conflicts of interest is reasonable and doesn’t imply wrongdoing.
The controversy unfolds as Minaj becomes more visible in conservative politics, publicly supporting Trump and appearing at right-leaning events, earning praise from some conservative figures. Bruesewitz has expressed admiration for Minaj, while Vice President JD Vance has also commented on comparisons between the two artists.
Cardi B, in contrast, has consistently voiced liberal views and criticism of Trump. As Minaj’s political alignment becomes clearer, tensions between fan bases and political commentators online have intensified.
Representatives for Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Politico have been contacted for comment.
