On-stage appearance with President Trump
Rap superstar Nicki Minaj made headlines in Washington after appearing onstage alongside President Donald Trump at the Treasury Department’s Trump Accounts Summit. Wearing a white shaggy coat, Minaj stood at the lectern between Trump and investor Kevin O’Leary, briefly holding the president’s hand before addressing the audience.
Speaking in her normal voice rather than performing, Minaj declared herself Trump’s “No. 1 fan” and said criticism would not affect her. Her appearance coincided with the administration promoting a new federal initiative known as “Trump Accounts”, a programme pledging $1,000 in savings for children born during Trump’s second term.
The moment marked a striking evolution for an artist once widely praised as an ally of LGBTQ+ communities and a dominant figure in mainstream rap culture.
From rap dominance to political alignment
Minaj’s career trajectory has shifted notably in recent years. Once the most recognisable female name in rap, she has faced growing competition from a new generation of artists, including Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo and Doechii. While these performers have collected major awards and chart success, Minaj’s recent releases have had a more muted impact, and she remains without a Grammy win despite multiple nominations.
Her highly publicised feud with Megan Thee Stallion reignited in 2024 following the release of the hit single “Hiss”, which contained lyrics widely interpreted as a reference to Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, a registered sex offender. The dispute escalated through social media exchanges and legal disputes involving Megan’s management company, Roc Nation.
During the same period, Minaj’s public persona increasingly shifted away from music-centred headlines toward political commentary and right-wing media appearances.
Growing ties to Trump’s political circle
By late 2025, Minaj had begun publicly praising Trump’s foreign policy positions and appeared alongside senior figures in his administration. She later attended conservative political events, including Turning Point USA gatherings, where her remarks drew widespread attention.
Her appearance at the Trump Accounts Summit in January 2026 solidified her status as one of the most prominent celebrity supporters of the president. Minaj has also pledged to donate substantial sums to her fanbase, aligning her philanthropic messaging with the administration’s family-focused savings initiative.
Trump, for his part, welcomed Minaj onstage and praised her loyalty, acknowledging the backlash she has faced for her political stance.
Cultural reaction and public divide
Minaj’s political alignment has sparked polarised reactions across social media and entertainment circles. While her devoted fanbase remains vocal in support, many within the hip-hop community have distanced themselves, reflecting broader cultural divisions within the United States.
The rapper’s transformation from chart-topping artist to outspoken political ally of the Trump administration underscores the intersection of celebrity culture and politics in an increasingly divided media landscape.
Source: USA Today
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