In a move that reignited debate, rapper Nicki Minaj openly expressed her admiration for former President Donald Trump during a Friday interview on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle. When questioned about what she would say to those who criticize her collaboration with the Trump administration, she responded with a decisive "absolutely nothing."
Her statements were highlighted by the official White House "Rapid Response 47" account on X and occurred during the Million Dollar Pitch Competition. This entrepreneurship contest, spearheaded by the Small Business Administration (SBA), saw Minaj serve as a judge alongside entrepreneur Grant Cardone and Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia.
"I am honored to have the chance to work with this administration and President Trump," said Minaj, who hails from Trinidad and Tobago. "He has inspired many people, not just me. He's fun. He's not only intelligent, not just a president, but someone I can relate to."
Further elaborating on Trump's personality, Minaj continued, "Every time I see him or watch him interact with others, he is simply himself. He's very grounded. It's easy to connect with him and feel heard and understood. And I love him for that, and I'll never apologize."
Addressing her critics, the rapper was forthright: "Apparently, they can say whatever they want, and everyone is supposed to stay silent. But no, we will not be silent."
The live finale of the Million Dollar Pitch Competition took place the same day in Washington D.C., as part of the Trump administration's "Freedom 250" initiative. The event offered $1 million in prizes, funded by Clover Network, Inc., distributed among five finalists, with $400,000 awarded to the winner. The television special is set to premiere in prime time in October.
Minaj's support for Trump is not new. In January 2026, she declared herself the "number one fan" of the president at the Trump Accounts event in Washington D.C. There, she proudly displayed her Trump Gold Card—a special expedited residency visa for wealthy immigrants costing $1 million—and announced she was completing the paperwork to become a U.S. citizen "by order" of Trump.
This turn of events is notable considering that in 2018, Minaj had harshly criticized the then-president's immigration policies, reflecting on her own experiences as an immigrant: "I can't imagine the horror of being in a strange place and having your parents taken away."
Minaj joins a list of entertainment figures who have voiced support for Trump, including Mel Gibson, Kid Rock, Sylvester Stallone, and reggaeton artist Anuel AA, who participated in the Victory Rally on January 20, 2025.
On the opposing side are Taylor Swift, Ricky Martin, Robert De Niro, and Rod Stewart, the latter revealing he ended his friendship with Trump following his return to the White House.
In the Latin music scene, Cuban musician Descemer Bueno stated in April 2026 that no Democratic administration has done as much as Trump and Marco Rubio against the Cuban regime. This sentiment reflects the support of several Caribbean artists for the president due to his foreign policy stance against Havana and other regional dictatorships.
Nicki Minaj, Trump, and Entertainment Industry Reactions
What was Nicki Minaj's response when asked about her critics?
Nicki Minaj stated that she had "absolutely nothing" to say to her critics and emphasized that she would not remain silent.
What event was Nicki Minaj participating in when she made her comments about Trump?
She was participating as a judge in the Million Dollar Pitch Competition, an entrepreneurship contest organized by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Who are some of the other celebrities who have expressed support for Donald Trump?
Other celebrities who have shown support for Trump include Mel Gibson, Kid Rock, Sylvester Stallone, and Anuel AA.