The online feud between rappers Cardi B and Nicki Minaj has taken an unexpected turn, drawing in a political figure and raising questions about data transparency. Cardi B is responding forcefully to claims made by Alex Bruesewitz, an advisor to Donald Trump, who alleged a connection between the rapper and a disinformation research company at the center of a report about bot activity amplifying Nicki Minaj’s recent political endorsements. The dispute underscores the increasing intersection of celebrity, politics, and the challenges of verifying information in the digital age.
The controversy began after Politico published a report on February 23, 2026, detailing a study by Cyabra, a disinformation research company. The study found that approximately 33 percent of the social media accounts interacting with Minaj’s conservative-leaning posts over the past two months were likely bots. This led to the conclusion that there was a coordinated effort to artificially boost the reach of Minaj’s political messaging. Bruesewitz, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, February 23, questioned the credibility of the report, alleging a conflict of interest.
Bruesewitz’s Allegations and Cardi B’s Response
Bruesewitz claimed that Jason Beeferman, the Politico journalist who authored the report, failed to disclose that Cyabra is partnered with Cardi B’s agent, Mike G of United Talent Agency. He directly called out Cardi B in his post, suggesting impropriety. Bruesewitz’s post sparked a swift and direct response from Cardi B.
Cardi B vehemently denied any involvement with the Cyabra report and accused Bruesewitz of intentionally involving her in the dispute without justification. She reposted a statement from Mike G on X, which affirmed that his involvement with Cyabra “has absolutely nothing to do” with Cardi B. However, she didn’t stop there, engaging in a back-and-forth exchange with Bruesewitz on the platform. In one post, she wrote, “You involved me and disturbed me for no reason, ain’t no white man about to sit here and gaslight me like I’m crashing out when you should’ve left me tf alone.” She also threatened legal action, questioning why Bruesewitz focused on a potential connection to her while seemingly ignoring the validity of the data itself, asking, “Why you not replying to the fact that that’s real data??”.
The Agent Connection and Data Validity
The core of the dispute centers on the relationship between Mike G, and Cyabra. Bruesewitz and his legal counsel, Joe McBride, argue that this connection should have been disclosed due to the existing rivalry between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. McBride told Billboard that the relationship “can reasonably raise questions about impartiality.” He further stated, “The idea that Nicki needs to buy bots is ridiculous. She is the most successful female rapper of all time. She does not need fake engagement.”
Bruesewitz himself maintained that he never accused Cardi B of orchestrating the bot activity, but rather questioned the objectivity of the report given the agent’s involvement. In a post on X, he stated, “The story’s implication is that @NICKIMINAJ and MAGA are paying for bots to boost her, which I simply don’t buy. I also doubt the data’s validity, given how intertwined the company is with individuals linked to her ‘rivals.’” Cardi B countered by questioning why Bruesewitz was focusing on potential conflicts on her side while ignoring any possible connections on his own, stating, “Why you not mentioning all the other investors and customers and whatever tf else that’s meant to be on YOUR side but you not questioning them.”
Minaj’s Political Shift and Broader Context
This dispute unfolds against a backdrop of Nicki Minaj’s increasingly vocal support for Donald Trump and her growing involvement in conservative political circles. Minaj has recently appeared at events with conservative figures, including a Turning Point USA event and a meeting with Trump himself at his Trump Accounts launch. She also conducted an interview with conservative podcaster Katie Miller. Bruesewitz is among a number of conservative personalities who have publicly embraced Minaj, sharing a photo with her on Instagram in December and making a pointed comparison to Cardi B.
Cardi B, in contrast, has consistently expressed liberal political views and opposition to Trump. The differing political stances of the two rappers add another layer to the existing rivalry and contribute to the intensity of the current dispute. The situation highlights how personal feuds can become entangled with broader political narratives in the age of social media.
When reached for comment, Bruesewitz told Billboard that Cardi B “had a dramatic crash out on the internet because I accurately pointed out that her agent is on the advisory council of Cyabra, the firm that conducted the ‘bots’ report.” He reiterated that he did not imply Cardi B’s personal involvement but maintained that the agent’s connection warranted disclosure.
As of February 25, 2026, representatives for Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Politico have been contacted for comment by Billboard. The situation remains fluid, and further statements from the involved parties are anticipated. The next step will likely involve a response from Cyabra regarding the allegations of undisclosed partnerships and the validity of their data.
Readers seeking support related to online harassment or disinformation can identify resources at StopBullying.gov and the Federal Communications Commission’s consumer protection website.
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