Rapper Nicki Minaj Campaigns With Trump in Michigan Ahead of Midterms

Rapper Nicki Minaj appeared alongside former President Donald Trump at a rally in Michigan on Sunday, expressing her support for him and the Republican candidates campaigning in the state ahead of the midterm elections.

Minaj, who has previously described herself as Trump's "number one fan" while also acknowledging criticisms of some of his policies, told the crowd that Trump "has changed the energy of the country" and given supporters "a future to look forward to." She joined Trump on stage to stump for Republicans, including those in a closely contested Senate race.

The event took place in Port Huron, Michigan, where the race between Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is particularly tight with less than a week remaining until the November 3 midterm elections. Former President Barack Obama had campaigned for El-Sayed at a separate rally the previous day.

During his remarks, Trump focused on El-Sayed's Muslim faith and heritage, suggesting that El-Sayed would "invite jihadists" into the United States if elected. El-Sayed has previously countered such remarks, characterizing them as Islamophobic and aimed at distracting voters from the impact of Trump's policies on issues such as fuel and grocery prices, and healthcare costs.

Minaj, dressed in a gold-colored Gucci suit, led the rally attendees in chanting the names of Trump and Republican candidates. "We really need all these great people to be elected, because this is a major turning point for our country," she stated.

Trump, in turn, praised Minaj, commenting on her appearance as she left the stage and noting that she was "smart" and "gets it." Earlier in his speech, Trump made a remark about the physique of a male Republican candidate before turning his attention to Minaj, inviting her to stand as the crowd cheered and expressing hope that she was not offended by his comment.