Nicki Minaj campaigns for Trump at Michigan rally ahead of midterms
The rapper joined President Trump onstage in Port Huron to support Republican candidates, days before the November 3 midterm elections.
What happened
Rapper Nicki Minaj joined Trump at a Michigan rally in Port Huron on Sunday, where she praised him for changing the country's energy and led crowds in chanting Trump's name and Republican candidates' names. She arrived aboard Air Force One and wore a gold Gucci suit. Trump made remarks about her appearance, including a comment about her rear end, which he asked if she was insulted by. Minaj, who has previously called herself Trump's "number one fan" despite criticizing some of his first-term policies, described the election as "a major turning point for our country." She also filmed a video on Air Force One pretending to interview for the White House press secretary position, which is currently open.
Context
The rally took place one week before midterm elections on November 3 that will determine which party controls Congress for the rest of Trump's presidency. Michigan's Senate race is notably competitive, with Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed in a tight contest against Republican Mike Rogers. Trump's remarks at the rally focused on El-Sayed's Muslim faith and background, alleging he would "invite jihadists" into America. El-Sayed has criticized such remarks as Islamophobic, saying in an ad that Trump "thinks he can use my name and my faith to distract us from the suffering his policies are inflicting on us at the pump, at the grocery store, and at the doctor's office." Democrats, including former President Obama, are actively campaigning in the state. Minaj's high-profile endorsement represents a notable celebrity backing for Trump in a closely watched battleground state race.