Rapper Nicki Minaj has praised US President Donald Trump, saying he has “changed the energy of the country” as she joined him at a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, to support Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.
According to the BBC, Minaj addressed the crowd on Sunday, urging voters to elect Republican candidates and describing the election as a critical moment for the country. She said Trump had given Americans “a future to look forward to.”
“We really need all these great people to be elected, because this is a major turning point for our country,” she said.
Wearing a gold-coloured Gucci-branded outfit, the rapper led supporters in chants for Trump and Republican candidates in Michigan. Trump praised her as she left the stage, describing her as smart and complimenting her appearance.
Minaj travelled to Michigan aboard Air Force One with the president. During the flight, she also appeared in a video with a presidential aide, jokingly pretending to interview for the position of White House press secretary.
The rapper has previously described herself as Trump’s “number one fan,” although she criticised some of his policies during his first term. She has also expressed support for some of his positions, including his claims about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and his proposed gold card visa programme for wealthy applicants seeking US residency.
The rally came amid a closely watched Michigan Senate race involving Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers. During his speech, Trump criticised El-Sayed’s Muslim faith and background, alleging that the Democrat would “invite jihadists” into the United States if elected.
El-Sayed has condemned similar remarks as Islamophobic, accusing Trump of using his name and religion to distract voters from the impact of government policies on the cost of living.
Former President Barack Obama campaigned with El-Sayed on Saturday as Democrats and Republicans intensified their efforts to mobilise voters ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.
