U.S. President Donald Trump made a personal remark about rapper Nicki Minaj at a Michigan rally, where she later urged voters to elect Republicans in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Trump made the comment as he recounted a story involving Ohio Sen. Jon Husted and remarks about Husted’s physique, according to the rally transcript. He described Minaj’s backside as beautiful and added, “I hope Nicki wasn’t insulted.” The transcript places the exchange before Minaj’s appearance onstage.
Minaj later appeared onstage with Trump and voiced support for him. She led a chant for the president and prompted cheers for Republican candidates Mike Rogers and John James. “If you run again, I will support you again,” she told Trump, according to the transcript.
The Republican event listing scheduled the Oct. 25 rally at McMorran Place Arena in Port Huron, Michigan. It said doors would open at 11:30 a.m. ET, with remarks scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Trump urged attendees to cast ballots Nov. 3, the date he named in his remarks.
The Associated Press and The Guardian characterized the gathering as support for Rogers, the Republican candidate in Michigan’s Senate race against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. The AP reported that the contest was among races that could determine control of the Senate. The AP also reported that the White House viewed celebrity appearances on Trump’s campaign tour as part of its effort to keep Republicans in control of Congress.
The rally followed an Air Force One interview involving Minaj and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, who joked she could become press secretary. EconoTimes previously covered Cheung’s joke about Minaj becoming press secretary. That earlier report said the quip was not an announcement of an appointment.
