Trump's lewd Minaj remark resurfaces as rapper endorses him at Michigan rally
Donald Trump made a crude joke about Nicki Minaj's backside during a 2022 Michigan campaign rally, saying "I looked at one hell of a beautiful arse before, Nicki Minaj. That's hard to miss," before later apologizing. The comment came after Minaj, whose father is Nigerian, traveled aboard Air Force One to endorse Trump at the Port Huron event ahead of the midterm elections.
Minaj praised Trump's "resilience" and said he "changed the energy of our country," declaring unwavering support: "If you run again, I will support you again." She also criticized exposing children to "messages about sex changes," saying mothers want children to "grow up in a place they can be proud of."
Trump had previously complimented Minaj's appearance twice earlier that year, calling her "sexy" and "so hot." The rapper's endorsement highlighted her Nigerian heritage connection — her father Robert Maraj was born in Trinidad to Nigerian parents — making her one of the most prominent Nigerian-descended celebrities in global pop culture.
The rally occurred during the 2022 midterm cycle when Republicans faced predictions of a Democratic wave. Minaj's appearance marked a rare political intervention by the "Starships" artist, who has generally avoided explicit partisan alignment until that point.