Nicki Minaj’s appearance alongside Donald Trump has added an unexpected celebrity moment to the final days of the 2026 US midterm campaign. The rapper joined the president at a Republican rally in Michigan, where her public support for his leadership quickly became one of the event’s biggest talking points.
But the appearance also sparked another question after a senior White House communications official jokingly suggested that Minaj could become the next White House press secretary. With the Michigan Senate race approaching its final stretch, the moment has attracted attention beyond the entertainment world.
Nicki Minaj Joins Donald Trump at Port Huron Campaign Rally
Minaj appeared with Trump at the Republican campaign rally at McMorran Place Arena in Port Huron, Michigan, on October 25, 2026. Thousands of Trump supporters had gathered at the venue as Republicans intensified their efforts to mobilise voters ahead of the November 3 general election.
Speaking to the crowd, Minaj praised Trump’s return to the White House and described the change she believed his leadership had brought to the country.
“Since he’s come back, he’s changed the energy of our country,” Minaj said. “He’s given us a future to look forward to.”
She also said she was honoured to stand alongside Trump, indicated that her support for him would continue and encouraged the audience to back Republican candidates.
The appearance was a political endorsement rather than a concert or entertainment performance. Minaj used her platform to advocate for the Republican ticket at a time when the outcome of several competitive races could influence the balance of power in Washington.
Her presence also brought a major entertainment name into the closing stage of a campaign that has attracted considerable national attention.
Looking Back at Nicki Minaj’s Political Message
An earlier report covered Nicki Minaj urging young Americans to “vote red” in the 2026 midterms as her support for Donald Trump drew attention. Catch up on the earlier developments in our Nicki Minaj “vote red” midterms message report.
What Nicki Minaj Said About Trump Aboard Air Force One
Minaj’s involvement began before the rally itself. She travelled to Michigan with Trump aboard Air Force One, accompanied by White House Communications Director Steven Cheung.
During the flight, Cheung recorded a video conversation with the rapper that was subsequently shared on social media. In the conversation, Minaj praised Trump’s understanding of economics, his approach to international affairs and the amount of work he was doing to support Republican candidates.
She also commented on his demanding schedule, arguing that the president was working particularly hard during the midterm campaign.
Minaj praised Trump’s demanding campaign schedule, saying:
“You have a man who’s won three elections. You know, legacy media continues to attack him left and right, and what does he do? He wakes up at four o’clock in the morning, he outworks people who are half his age.”
She continued by praising his decision to campaign for other Republicans, concluding that his efforts showed her “that he’s a great guy.”
Her remarks provided a further indication of her support for Trump beyond the rally stage. Rather than limiting her participation to a brief public appearance, she discussed his leadership and work ethic in a conversation with a senior White House communications official.
The video soon attracted another layer of attention because of Cheung’s accompanying caption.
Did Nicki Minaj Become the New White House Press Secretary?
When Cheung shared the video, he wrote:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!”
The comment prompted online speculation about whether Minaj might take on the high-profile communications role. However, the wording was presented as a humorous suggestion, not an official announcement about a change in personnel.
As of October 26, 2026, there has been no confirmed announcement that Minaj has been appointed, nominated or formally selected as White House press secretary.
The distinction matters because Cheung’s joke does not establish that the rapper has been offered the position or that any appointment process has begun.
The confirmed development is that Minaj spoke with Cheung aboard Air Force One, praised Trump and appeared alongside him at the Michigan rally. The suggestion about her potentially becoming press secretary came from Cheung’s public comment.
For now, describing Minaj as the next White House press secretary would be inaccurate. Her role at the event was that of a prominent political supporter.
Why Trump’s Michigan Rally Matters to the 2026 Senate Race
Although Minaj’s appearance attracted significant attention, the rally’s central political purpose was to support Michigan Republicans, particularly Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate running for the US Senate.
Rogers is facing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a former Detroit health official. The seat is open following the retirement of Democratic Senator Gary Peters, making the contest an important battleground for both parties.
The result could help determine which party controls the US Senate after the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump’s visit came amid an intensified campaign effort to mobilise Republican voters. The Democratic campaign was also receiving high-profile support, with former President Barack Obama campaigning for Michigan Democrats on October 24, one day before Trump’s Port Huron appearance.
The competing visits highlighted the attention both parties were directing towards Michigan during the final days before Election Day.
Trump Attacks Abdul El-Sayed During the Rally
Trump’s speech included sharp criticism of El-Sayed, with particular attention directed towards the Democratic candidate’s Muslim faith and loyalty to the United States.
Trump described El-Sayed as a “jihadist”, made comparisons involving the September 11, 2001, attacks and suggested that El-Sayed would pose a security threat if elected. He also attempted to associate the Democratic candidate with Muslim extremism and the Muslim Brotherhood.
El-Sayed has rejected the accusations and denied extremist affiliations.
According to the Associated Press, there is no evidence that El-Sayed has an affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, despite Republican efforts to connect him to the organisation. These allegations have become a central feature of the Republican campaign against him.
The remarks also drew criticism from Arab American and Muslim voices. Bishara Bahbah, a founder of Arab Americans for Trump, condemned Trump’s remarks, describing them as unacceptable and saying voters would remember them when they cast their ballots.
El-Sayed responded during a campaign appearance in Grand Rapids, rejecting attempts to question his patriotism and saying he expected voters to decide the race on November 3.
What Is at Stake in the Rogers-El-Sayed Senate Contest?
The Michigan Senate race has become one of the contentious contests of the 2026 election cycle, with disagreements extending beyond the candidates’ individual campaigns.
Republicans have focused on El-Sayed’s faith, associations and past comments. Democrats have argued that the Republican campaign is using those issues to divert attention from economic concerns.
The Associated Press has identified inflation, fuel prices, healthcare and housing costs among the economic issues shaping the broader campaign. Trump and Republican allies have also sought to frame the Michigan contest around national security and questions about El-Sayed’s background.
Rogers has questioned El-Sayed’s loyalty, while the Democrat has rejected those accusations.
The election also carries historical significance. If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
These competing issues have helped make the race a focus of national political attention, particularly as both parties seek to strengthen their position ahead of the November 3 vote.
Michigan Early Voting Began Before Trump’s Rally
Trump’s Port Huron appearance took place after Michigan’s statewide early voting period had already started, meaning some voters were casting ballots while the campaigns continued their final push.
The Michigan Secretary of State announced that early in-person voting for the November 3 general election began on October 24 and continues through November 1.
| Election detail | Confirmed information |
| Campaign rally | October 25, 2026 |
| Rally location | McMorran Place Arena, Port Huron, Michigan |
| Statewide early voting began | October 24, 2026 |
| Final day of statewide early voting | November 1, 2026 |
| General Election Day | November 3, 2026 |
| Republican Senate candidate | Mike Rogers |
| Democratic Senate candidate | Abdul El-Sayed |
Under a constitutional amendment approved by Michigan voters in 2022, every community must provide at least nine days of early in-person voting. Early voting sites must be open for at least eight hours each day during the statewide period, although individual communities can offer additional opportunities.
Eligible voters who have not registered can also register and vote at their city or township clerk’s office until 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, provided they meet the state’s registration requirements and supply proof of residency.
The timing placed Trump’s rally directly within an active voting period, rather than before ballots could be cast.
Trump Praises Nicki Minaj During His Speech
Trump also drew attention to Minaj during his remarks at the rally.
While discussing comments he had previously made about Ohio Senator Jon Husted’s physique, Trump turned to Minaj and said:
“By the way, I looked at one hell of a beautiful ass before, Nicki Minaj. That, that’s hard to miss. That’s stand out, Nicki. That’s hard to miss.”
He then added:
“I hope Nicki wasn’t insulted, but we love Nicki. She’s been with us for a long time.”
After Minaj spoke, Trump praised her again, saying:
“She never looked more beautiful. She gets it. She’s smart.”
The remarks attracted attention because of Trump’s comments about Minaj’s appearance. She subsequently addressed the crowd and encouraged voters to support Republican candidates.
The exchange added another widely discussed moment to the appearance, but the broader significance of her participation was her explicit support for Trump and the Republican candidates campaigning in Michigan.
Nicki Minaj’s Support for Trump Becomes More Visible
Minaj’s Port Huron appearance was not her first public expression of support for Trump. The rapper has increasingly aligned herself with the president and publicly praised aspects of his administration and political agenda.
Her conversation aboard Air Force One demonstrated that her support extended beyond attending the Michigan rally. She praised Trump’s economic understanding, his approach to international relations and his work ethic, while also discussing the effort he was putting into the midterm campaign.
By appearing onstage and encouraging voters to support Republican candidates, Minaj took a more direct role in the campaign.
Her appearance also fitted into Trump’s wider strategy of travelling across the country to support Republican candidates. The Associated Press reported that the president had spent approximately 70 hours aboard Air Force One during October for midterm-related appearances. His travelling group included senior advisers, administration officials, political strategists and selected celebrities and sports figures.
Minaj’s participation brought a prominent entertainment figure into that final campaign push, while Obama’s appearance the previous day demonstrated the Democratic effort to mobilise support for Michigan Democrats.
Conclusion: Nicki Minaj’s Trump Endorsement Is Confirmed, but the Press Secretary Rumour Is Not
Nicki Minaj’s appearance alongside Donald Trump in Port Huron marked a highly visible show of support for the president and Michigan Republicans. Her praise for Trump, comments aboard Air Force One and appeal to voters placed her firmly within the campaign’s final stretch.
However, the speculation about a possible White House press secretary role remains unconfirmed. Steven Cheung’s remark was a joke, not an official appointment announcement.
With early voting underway and Election Day approaching on November 3, the rally’s wider significance lies in the competitive Rogers-El-Sayed Senate contest and its potential implications for control of the US Senate. Minaj’s endorsement brought celebrity attention to the event, but the election outcome will ultimately be decided by Michigan voters.
Revisiting Another Nicki Minaj Story
Minaj has also been the subject of an earlier legal report involving a $275K lawsuit and Pink Friday 2 budget emails presented in court. For the earlier details, see our Nicki Minaj Pink Friday 2 lawsuit court report.
Source and Research Disclaimer
This article has been prepared based on research of the sources provided below and the information available in those materials as of October 26, 2026. Political statements, campaign developments and administration personnel decisions may change after publication. The article reflects the supplied reporting and does not imply independent verification beyond what those sources support.
Sources
- Michigan Secretary of State: Early in-person voting begins October 24
- Associated Press: Trump escalates attacks against Abdul El-Sayed at Michigan rally
- Associated Press: Trump’s October campaign travel and Air Force One entourage
- MLive: Nicki Minaj joins Trump in Port Huron and urges Michigan voters to back Republicans
- Just the News: Nicki Minaj praises Trump aboard Air Force One and Cheung’s press-secretary comment
- Reuters Connect: Nicki Minaj speaks with Trump at Port Huron rally
Featured Image Credit: Daniel Torok / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
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