At a political rally in Port Huron, Michigan, on Sunday, US President Donald Trump publicly praised rapper Nicki Minaj for her physical appearance, specifically commenting on her "beautiful ass." The event marked a notable instance of the president’s unconventional campaign style as he sought to energize his supporters ahead of the upcoming mid-term elections.
During the rally, Trump told the assembled crowd, “By the way, I looked at one hell of a beautiful ass before – Nicki Minaj. That’s hard to miss.” Minaj, whose birth name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, responded by waving to the crowd and expressing her continued support for the president. Speaking from the stage, she said Trump had “changed the energy of the country” and emphasized the importance of electing key candidates in the upcoming vote, calling it a “major turning point” for the nation.
Minaj, 43, traveled with Trump to the event aboard Air Force One. Her presence aboard the presidential aircraft, along with a video posted by White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, spurred speculation that she might be considered for the role of White House Press Secretary. The position has been vacant since Katie Zacharias was dismissed after just five days on the job. Cheung’s post joked that Minaj could be the new press secretary, presenting the possibility in a lighthearted manner.
Trump’s remarks and Minaj’s participation come amid efforts to energize the Republican campaign as the party faces challenges in approval ratings and tight races. The president has recently made headlines for citing the physical attributes of several Republican candidates, including Senator Jon Husted from Ohio, a focus drawing attention to his unconventional rhetorical style. Last week, Trump commented on Husted’s and other candidates’ appearances in ways that generated mixed reactions.
Nicki Minaj, a Trinidad-born rapper known for chart-topping hits such as "Super Freaky Girl," has voiced strong support for Trump publicly, a stance that has garnered both curiosity and controversy given her prominence in the music industry.
The rally and the accompanying media attention highlight the blending of entertainment and politics that has come to characterize much of Trump’s campaign strategy, as he seeks to maintain momentum going into a critical election cycle. While some view the involvement of celebrities like Minaj as a way to energize the base, others question the appropriateness of such endorsements and remarks in the political arena.