Rapper Nicki Minaj was jokingly suggested as the new White House press secretary after praising Donald Trump. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!" The idea started after Katie Zacharia left the role recently.
Rapper Nicki Minaj has unexpectedly been floated as a potential White House press secretary after praising US President Donald Trump during a flight aboard Air Force One and joining him at a Republican campaign rally in Michigan. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung jokingly suggested that the rapper could be the next person to take on the role, prompting a playful response from the White House's official account and Minaj herself. The speculation emerged after Katie Zacharia's brief stint as press secretary ended. However, there has been no official announcement suggesting Minaj is being seriously considered for the position.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!" Cheung wrote alongside the video, playfully suggesting that Minaj could be a candidate for the role. The White House's official X (formerly Twitter) account responded with an eyes emoji and Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz asked Minaj's fanbase, the Barbz, what they thought of the idea.
Minaj also responded to the suggestion, posting an American flag emoji next to a grinning face with sweat. Her response appeared to be in jest and there was no indication from the rapper or the White House of any formal steps toward an appointment.
Speculation has been rife ever since Katie Zacharia left the post of press secretary just days after taking the job. The exchange created a stir online, but Cheung's comments sounded more like an offhand comment than an admission that there was an official selection process.
In her conversation with Cheung aboard Air Force One, Minaj said she admired Trump's business experience, saying his ability to manage his own finances made him ready to run the country. She also praised his approach to foreign policy, saying that he put American interests first. The rapper has increasingly publicly supported the president and his political agenda, and her comments came as such.
Minaj has previously called herself Trump's "number one fan," though she was critical of some of his policies during his first term. Her latest comments reinforced her metamorphosis into a vocal cheerleader for the Republican president.
The rapper's political views have come under scrutiny, given her global celebrity and large fan base. Her endorsement has also generated discussions about the influence of entertainers in political campaigns and the impact of celebrity endorsements on public discourse.
Minaj accompanied Trump on a trip to Port Huron, Michigan, where the president was stumping for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterms. Trump lauded the rapper's appearance at a rally on October 25, making a comment about her figure that drew cheers from the crowd. He told her to get up, pointing out that she was at the event.
Nicki Minaj took to the stage later to voice her support for Trump, saying he had "changed the energy of the country" and given people "a future to look forward to".
She also urged the crowd to support Republican candidates in Michigan, including Senate nominee Mike Rogers. Her appearance was part of the Republican campaign effort to mobilise voters ahead of elections that will decide control of Congress for the rest of Trump's presidency.