Nicki Minaj honored September 11 victims while attending Cantor Fitzgerald’s Charity Day in New York City on Friday. The rapper took to social media to share her support for the event, which serves as a significant fundraiser in the city.
“Honoring the heroes & loved ones today in our great city. #NeverForget 9/11,” Nicki Minaj wrote on X, accompanying her post with the hashtags #CantorFitzgerald and #NYC. While the event is distinct from the official memorial ceremony held at Ground Zero, it remains a major philanthropic effort that honors the 658 Cantor Fitzgerald employees who lost their lives during the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Minaj joined a diverse group of athletes and entertainers at the fundraiser, including Victoria Justice, Henrik Lundqvist, Kyle Palmieri, and former New York Giants receiver Amani Toomer. Celebrity guests traditionally assist brokers with transactions, with the firm donating the day’s global revenue to various charities.
Political Controversy at Ground Zero
While Minaj was participating in the charity event, a separate controversy unfolded at the official Ground Zero remembrance ceremony involving Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani. Footage circulated online showing the two Democrats smiling and laughing during the solemn event, which drew sharp criticism from conservative figures.
Senator Ted Cruz and media personality Meghan McCain were among those who publicly questioned the behavior of the officials during the reading of the victims’ names. “How the hell do you laugh while the names of those murdered on 9/11 are being read aloud? Why would you do so?” Cruz posted on X.
How the hell do you laugh while the names of those murdered on 9/11 are being read aloud?
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 11, 2026
Why would you do so? https://t.co/gOec2hA8Lo
Despite the outrage, the footage lacked audio, leaving the context of the interaction unclear. Supporters and observers noted that other attendees were also seen smiling during the lengthy four-hour ceremony, and some pointed out that laughter had occurred elsewhere in the crowd, including during a lighthearted anecdote shared by a victim’s grandson regarding sports.
Mamdani, who had already faced scrutiny from some families regarding his political associations, defended his presence at the event. “I will proudly honor the families, the survivors, the first responders forever impacted by that horrific terror attack by standing alongside them,” he stated previously.
As the political discourse continues, Minaj’s public participation in the Cantor Fitzgerald event highlights her evolving public persona. The rapper has recently become more vocal about her political leanings, identifying as a supporter of Donald Trump and aligning herself with his movement.
