President Donald Trump said he is considering the idea of appointing rapper Nicki Minaj as White House press secretary, calling it “a good idea” he would think about.
Trump made the comment in a conversation with podcaster Benny Johnson of The Benny Show. When asked whether Minaj could take the role, he replied, “That’s a good idea. I think I’ll have to think about that… I’m gonna think about that.”
The exchange comes days after White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted a video on X of a mock interview with Minaj aboard Air Force One. Cheung captioned the clip, “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary! @NICKIMINAJ.”
In the video, recorded on Oct. 25 as the pair traveled to a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, Minaj praised Trump’s business background, work ethic and approach to foreign policy. She said he “outworks people who are half his age” and described him as someone who understands economics because of his experience recovering from financial setbacks.
The White House official X account responded to Cheung’s post with an eyes emoji. Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz asked Minaj’s fans for their thoughts. Minaj reshared the video with an American flag and sweating-face emoji.
The press secretary position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left the role on Oct. 16 after a five-day tenure. Zacharia, whose full name is Kate Sharon Zacharia, began the job on Oct. 12 following Karoline Leavitt’s departure in August. Her single press briefing lasted about 15 minutes and drew criticism. She holds the record for the shortest tenure of any White House press secretary.
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj on Dec. 8, 1982, in Trinidad and Tobago, is 43. She moved to the United States as a child and rose to fame as a rapper known for hits including “Super Bass” and “Anaconda.” In recent years she has become a vocal supporter of Trump, appearing at events, speaking at the United Nations on administration priorities and joining him on stage at the Michigan rally, where Trump publicly commented on her appearance.
Steven Cheung, 44, has served as White House communications director since January 2025. Born in Sacramento, California, to Chinese immigrant parents, he previously worked on Trump’s campaigns and in the first Trump administration.
No formal offer or appointment has been announced. Multiple reports describe Cheung’s video and the subsequent discussion as light-hearted rather than a serious hiring process. Prediction markets briefly listed Minaj with low single-digit odds among possible candidates.
The suggestion has circulated widely online, generating memes and mixed reactions as the White House continues to search for a permanent replacement for the vacant post ahead of the midterm elections.
