Trump Says He's Considering Nicki Minaj for Press Secretary Role

President Donald Trump declined to dismiss the prospect of Nicki Minaj joining his administration as press secretary, saying publicly that the idea merits consideration. The comments arrived as Minaj's involvement in Trump's political orbit has grown more visible over recent months, according to Billboard.

What Trump Said

During an appearance on The Benny Show, a political commentary podcast, the president was asked directly whether the Grammy-nominated rapper could step into the White House briefing room. Trump responded that it was "a good idea" and added that he would "have to think about that." He also suggested that podcast host Benny Johnson might be a suitable candidate for the same position, indicating the exchange had at least a partially lighthearted tone — though Trump did not flatly rule out the notion.

Background: A Vacancy and a Mock Interview

The speculation gained traction after press secretary Katie Zacharia departed the role just five days into her tenure in mid-October, leaving the position open and drawing public attention to the search for a replacement. White House communications director Steven Cheung moved the conversation forward when he posted footage on X of what appeared to be an informal mock interview with Minaj conducted aboard Air Force One. Cheung tagged Minaj in the post and wrote that the administration may have found its next press secretary.

The president's willingness to at least entertain unconventional personnel suggestions is consistent with a broader pattern in his second term. He has also made headlines with politically unorthodox moves in other areas — from stalling bipartisan housing legislation over unrelated demands to threatening steep tariffs tied to EU digital services policy.

Minaj's Growing Role in Trump's Political Activities

Minaj's alignment with Trump's political activities has become increasingly public. On October 25, she traveled to Michigan aboard Air Force One alongside the president and members of his administration for a rally in Port Huron. She posted a clip from inside the aircraft on X with the caption "#AirForceOneBARBIE." At the rally, Minaj expressed support for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers and House candidate John James. Trump acknowledged her presence from the stage, inviting her to stand before the crowd.

Prior to the rally, Minaj had also taken on a formal role in a Trump administration initiative, serving as a judge for the Million Dollar Pitch Competition — a small-business contest in which finalists competed for a share of a $1 million prize pool. The combination of Air Force One access, a rally appearance, and a judging role signals a relationship that goes beyond a celebrity endorsement.

Trump's use of entertainment figures to amplify his political events has not always gone smoothly. His Freedom 250 concert series faced significant disruptions, including a rained-out Vanilla Ice performance, underscoring the complications that can arise when politics and pop culture intersect.

What Comes Next

No formal appointment has been announced, and the White House has not issued an official statement confirming any serious vetting process for Minaj. Trump's comment on The Benny Show stops well short of a commitment. Still, the fact that the sitting president publicly entertained the idea — however casually — ensures the question will follow the administration until a permanent press secretary is confirmed.

With the communications director having already amplified the prospect on social media, the vacancy remains a point of scrutiny as Trump navigates both domestic policy battles and an active international agenda, including recent meetings with NATO leadership amid European security concerns.