Rapper Nicki Minaj performed onstage with President Donald Trump on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during a Republican campaign rally held in Port Huron, Michigan, nine days before the upcoming midterm elections on November 3.
The performer attended the rally on Air Force One and publicly endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers and gubernatorial candidate John James. It's yet another move in an emerging political relationship between the two.
It was held at McMorran Place Arena, where the doors were opened to attendees at 11:30 a.m. ET. In addition to Trump, other speakers at the rally include Rogers, James, and various other Michigan Republicans. An open seat in Michigan's Senate is one of the most highly anticipated races in the midterm elections.
Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty is better known by her stage name, Minaj. During her speech, she led the audience in chanting names of Rogers and James, calling Michigan "a big battleground state." She added that Trump symbolizes resilience and that she will always support him in the future and thanked him for his contributions in changing America's energy.
According to Mirror, during her speech, Minaj expressed concern that children are "bombarded with sex changes." She urged people to leave kids alone in criticizing gender transition procedures for kids.
Her comments caused outrage among her LGBTQ+ fans. As per one fan, half of her followers are queer. There was even a discussion on the r/lgbt forum on how people should stop listening to her songs. Those who support her, however, defend her right to voice her opinions.
Photo: @Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
The rally is making waves due to another comment from the President of the United States. As he tells a story of an Ohio senator, Trump said that he has seen the beautiful backside of someone once and then named Minaj.
He then asked her to get up, and she did and turned around.
Trump later said that he hoped she would not take offense and that "we love Nikki," as she has been with them for a very long time. Online reactions differed; many regarding the statement as a joke, while others criticized it as being inappropriate for a US president.
In the earlier part of the day, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung tweeted a video of him interviewing Minaj on board Air Force One.
Minaj says in the video that President Trump is tough on foreign policy and outworks people who are much younger than him. Cheung jokes, saying that she can be the next White House Press Secretary, and even the official Trump War Room account agrees and says that it sounds good.
Photo: @Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
- Minaj was against Trump’s tough immigration policies in the past. However, her views have changed over time. They include:
- November 2025: Unpredicted attendance at the UN General Assembly to plead for the end of religious persecution in Nigeria, an allegation denied by the Nigerian government.
- January 28, 2026: An attendance at a celebration of "Trump Accounts," which helps set up trust funds for the children, where she referred to herself as the number one fan of the president, saying criticism does not bother her.
- Fox News interview: She told Lara Trump that young Americans should "vote red now" during the midterms.
- July 6, 2026: Attended a luncheon at the White House Rose Garden.
- Minaj has also publicly criticized members of the Democrat Party, like California governor Gavin Newsom.
Minaj, 43, is among the biggest-selling rappers of all time, famous for hits such as "Super Bass" and "Starships." She claims she wishes to give her fans a good memory of her concerts and a place where they can enjoy their music without being lectured about politics.
This stance is increasingly under pressure because of her political activism. Fan reactions vary; while some claim they will still support her music irrespective of politics, others say she has affected them through her campaigns.
While celebrity endorsements tend not to be crucial, Michigan is a battleground state, and Republicans hope that her involvement will benefit them in reaching younger and more diverse voters.
The Democrat Party and other critics have contended that Minaj's message is not in line with the sentiments of the majority of her fans. There is no significant polling regarding whether endorsement from entertainers affects voters' decisions, and its impact, if any, can only be determined after the elections.
The Election Day is on November 3rd, and Trump, together with other members of the Republican Party, is projected to be out there campaigning in the Midwest region on the last couple of days.
Minaj has not made any other announcements regarding rally engagements. However, she is committed to supporting the president. Whether Minaj will release new songs or go on a tour in the next couple of weeks is uncertain.
