Laura Ingraham Confuses Nicki Minaj with Cardi B in On-Air Gaffe

The Fox News host made an embarrassing mistake while discussing Minaj's support for Donald Trump.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:47am

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During a segment on her show The Ingraham Angle, host Laura Ingraham confused rapper Nicki Minaj with Cardi B while discussing Minaj's recent appearance with former President Donald Trump. Ingraham incorrectly referenced Cardi B's explicit song "WAP" when talking about Minaj, and had to issue an on-air correction after a producer informed her of the mistake. The gaffe drew criticism online, with commentators noting the irony of Ingraham's error in light of stereotypes about Black public figures.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the potential for prominent media figures to perpetuate harmful stereotypes through careless mistakes, even as they seek to criticize or comment on political alliances between public figures. Ingraham's gaffe also underscores the need for greater media literacy and awareness around issues of race and representation.

The details

During the segment, Ingraham referred to Minaj as "MAGA Minaj" and discussed her recent appearance with Trump, praising the rapper for "bridging the gap between her world and Trumpworld." However, Ingraham then incorrectly referenced Cardi B's explicit 2020 hit "WAP," leading a producer to interject and correct her. Ingraham acknowledged the mistake, laughing it off and saying "I can't believe I insulted Nicki Minaj, comparing her to Cardi B."

  • On January 29, 2026, Laura Ingraham made the on-air gaffe during her show The Ingraham Angle.

The players

Laura Ingraham

A conservative political commentator and host of The Ingraham Angle on Fox News.

Nicki Minaj

A popular American rapper who recently expressed support for former President Donald Trump.

Cardi B

An American rapper known for her explicit lyrics, including the 2020 hit song "WAP."

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What they’re saying

“We all look alike.”

— Bakari Sellers, CNN political pundit and attorney

“Laura probably also disapproved of Nicki getting knocked up by Stefon Diggs.”

— Robert A. George, Black journalist

“Who's going to tell her? And would not even matter?”

— Todd Eberly, Political science professor at St. Mary's College

The takeaway

Ingraham's mistake highlights the need for greater media literacy and awareness around issues of race and representation, as prominent figures can perpetuate harmful stereotypes through careless errors, even as they seek to comment on political alliances between public figures.