White House Communications Director Steven Cheung jokingly suggested that rapper Nicki Minaj should be considered for the job of White House press secretary, after she once again voiced her support for President Donald Trump. Cheung shared a video of himself speaking with Minaj on Air Force One over the weekend, writing on X that « Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary! »
In the clip, Minaj explained why she is an avid supporter of Trump, describing him as a businessman who worked his way up to the status of billionaire. She said that this means he « surely knows what to do » when it comes to the country and its economy. The exchange came shortly after conservative political commentator Katie Zacharia was appointed White House Press Secretary earlier in the month and stepped down after just five days following intense scrutiny.
Minaj also appeared at a Trump campaign rally on Sunday, October 26, in Michigan. The president gave her a shout-out for attending and acknowledged her « beautiful » backside, which he said was « hard to miss. » After Trump called on her to speak, Minaj said that he has « changed the energy of the country » and « given us a future to look forward to. » She added, « We really need all these great people to be elected, because this is a major turning point for our country, » and described herself as his « Number One fan. »
The remarks drew wide attention online. Comedian Jon Stewart addressed the comments on the Monday night episode of The Daily Show, poking fun at Trump's repeated focus on the rapper and comparing the president to Yogi Bear floating toward a pie, according to Variety's coverage of the segment.
Minaj's political stance has been a recurring source of controversy. Last month she appeared on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle to discuss working with the Trump administration, saying, « I am honoured to be able to have an opportunity to work with this administration and to work with President Trump. » She said Trump « has inspired many people, not just me, » and described him as someone she can relate to and « just himself. »
Earlier, in December, Minaj was the surprise guest at a Turning Point USA event, where she spoke with Erika Kirk, the widow of political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was murdered. At that event she expressed « respect and admiration » for Trump and criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom. She later deactivated her Instagram account amid backlash to the appearance and faced multiple petitions calling for her deportation from the United States. She moved to the country from Trinidad when she was five. Around the same time she told Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, that « no one has been a stronger advocate for the LGBT community » than Trump.