Nicki Minaj didn’t just board Air Force One: she also started acting as a spokesperson.
On Sunday, October 25, the rapper traveled with Donald Trump to a Republican rally in Port Huron, Michigan, to support local candidates ahead of the midterm elections. Mid-flight, dressed conservatively, she took part in a mock interview about the president and formally responded about his achievements, as a press secretary would. The video later ended up on X.
It was posted by Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, with a message that changed everything: “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we’ve found the new press secretary!”. The official account replied with the eyes emoji, and adviser Alex Bruesewitz asked Minaj’s fans, the Barbz, what they thought of the idea. She reposted the video with a U.S. flag and a smiling face.
The context makes the joke carry more weight: Katie Zacharia left the position after just five days, and the job remains vacant. For now, there has been no official announcement, and Cheung’s post is being interpreted as a joke. Political humor or a dress rehearsal?