Trump Comments on Minaj’s Appearance at Michigan Rally

Nicki Minaj traveled with Donald Trump aboard Air Force One and appeared at his Michigan rally, where she endorsed him and urged voters to support Republican candidates Mike Rogers and John James. Trump made sexualized comments about Minaj’s appearance and asked her to stand, then said he hoped he had not offended her; Minaj praised him as resilient and hardworking and said he had changed the country’s energy. White House communications director Steven Cheung jokingly suggested Minaj could replace press secretary Katie Zacharia, who had left the role after five days; other Trump allies amplified the idea, but no appointment was announced. California Gov. Gavin Newsom mocked the speculation, while Abdul El-Sayed criticized Trump for focusing on Minaj’s appearance rather than policy and economic concerns; Trump had also attacked El-Sayed by invoking his Muslim faith and alleging extremist ties, claims El-Sayed denied and called Islamophobic. Jon Stewart and other commentators criticized Trump’s remarks and the objectification and power dynamics involved. Minaj’s support drew attention because she had previously criticized Trump’s immigration policies.