Trump Comments on Minaj’s Appearance at Michigan Rally

Nicki Minaj traveled with Donald Trump aboard Air Force One and appeared at his Port Huron, Michigan, rally, urging voters to support Republican candidates Mike Rogers and John James and reaffirming her support for Trump. She praised him as resilient and hardworking and said he had changed the country’s energy. Trump made a lewd remark about Minaj’s appearance, asked her to stand, and then said he hoped he had not offended her; the remarks drew criticism and attention. Trump also attacked Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, invoking his Muslim faith and alleging extremist ties, which El-Sayed has denied and criticized as Islamophobic. White House communications director Steven Cheung jokingly floated Minaj as a possible press secretary after a video showed them discussing Trump’s work and policies aboard the plane. Minaj’s endorsement has drawn attention given her earlier criticism of Trump’s immigration policies.