Nicki Minaj tells Trump she’ll support him if he runs again

President Donald Trump drew attention away from the midterm election message at a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, on Sunday, October 25, by singling out rapper Nicki Minaj for physical compliments regarding her anatomy. The incident occurred as the administration simultaneously engaged in public speculation about Minaj potentially becoming the next White House press secretary. During the rally, held to support Republican candidates for the November 3 midterms, Trump interrupted his speech to address the crowd about Minaj, who was present as a guest speaker. He remarked, “I looked at one hell of a beautiful ass before, Nicki Minaj. That’s hard to miss.” After the audience cheered, he instructed Minaj to stand, noting, “I hope Nicki was not insulted but we love Nicki. She has been with us for a long time.” The comments sparked immediate discussion online, particularly because they coincided with a viral social media exchange suggesting Minaj might fill the vacant press secretary seat. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted a video on X on Sunday showing himself and Minaj seated across a table aboard Air Force One. In the clip, Cheung conducted a mock job interview, asking Minaj about the economy and Trump’s work ethic. Cheung captioned the post, “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!” The official White House account replied to the post with an eyes emoji. Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz further amplified the joke by addressing Minaj’s fans, known as Barbz, asking for their opinion on the idea. Minaj responded to the speculation with an American flag emoji and a grinning face with sweat, indicating amusement. However, no formal appointment has been announced, and observers noted the exchange appeared to be playful political chatter rather than a serious personnel move. Minaj used her stage time at the Port Huron rally to pledge unwavering support for the president. She stated, “So, President Trump, it is an honor to stand with you every single time, and I will continue to support you forever and ever. If you run again, I will support you again.” She described Trump as a man who wins elections, specifically referencing his claim of having won three elections, a statement that includes his false assertion that he defeated Joe Biden in 2020. Minaj highlighted Trump’s early morning routine, saying he wakes up at 4 a.m. and outworks people half his age. She argued that his willingness to keep working despite his success demonstrates his character and commitment to helping other Republicans win seats in the upcoming elections. The presence of Minaj at the rally marked a notable shift in her public political stance. In 2020, she explicitly stated she would not jump on the Donald Trump bandwagon. Since then, she has become a vocal supporter, participating in administration initiatives such as the launch of Trump Accounts for newborns at a Treasury Department summit in Washington. At that earlier event, she praised the policy, stating that access to such financial tools would have changed her life and offered hope to children without wealthy relatives. Her alignment with the administration reportedly solidified after she felt she received the cold shoulder from California Governor Gavin Newsom. She subsequently contacted Trump’s communications team, which welcomed her engagement. She has also attended Turning Point USA’s annual conference and traveled with administration officials on Air Force One. The speculation surrounding Minaj’s potential role follows a turbulent period for the White House press office. Karoline Leavitt departed as press secretary in August. Later this month, Trump appointed conservative commentator Katie Zacharia to the role. However, Zacharia served for only five days, the shortest tenure for any White House press secretary. Her sole press briefing lasted approximately 15 minutes and ended after she took questions from three reporters. Reports indicate Zacharia left on good terms and may transition into a new role within the White House. Conservative podcaster Miranda Devine joined in on the humor surrounding the Minaj post, joking that Cheung himself would make a better press secretary. Trump’s remarks at the rally were interpreted by critics as part of a broader pattern of objectifying Black women. Commentators compared the incident to the historical exploitation of Sarah Baartman, an enslaved woman from the late 1700s who was exhibited in European freak shows due to her physical features. Baartman, known as the Hottentot Venus, was paraded in cages, and after her death at age 26, her body parts were preserved and displayed in museums until 1974. Critics argue that Trump’s comments reflect a legacy of fetishization and dehumanization targeting Black women. Data cited by researchers indicates that Black women are disproportionately targeted by Trump’s insults regarding intelligence. A review of his Truth Social posts over the previous four years found he used the phrase “low IQ” at least 50 times, with 60 percent of those instances directed at Black public figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and several Democratic members of Congress. Despite the controversy, polls suggest the political landscape remains challenging for the president’s party. Surveys indicate that 61 percent of voters disapprove of Trump’s performance, while 38 percent approve. A majority of the electorate expressed a preference for a Democrat-controlled Congress over a Republican-held one. Such a outcome would allow Democrats to frustrate the president’s legislative agenda and block key bills. Minaj, who resides in California, continued to share videos of her experience aboard Air Force One on social media, showcasing the aircraft’s interior. The rally in Port Huron was primarily aimed at boosting morale for Republican candidates facing tough races in the midterms. The interaction between Trump and Minaj, combined with the press secretary jokes, dominated coverage of the event, overshadowing specific policy messages intended for the local constituency.