White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted a video Sunday suggesting rapper Nicki Minaj as a candidate for the vacant press secretary position, sharing the clip from Air Force One as the group traveled to a campaign event in Michigan.
In the approximately two-minute video posted on X, Cheung conducted what resembled a mock interview with Minaj. He asked about the state of the economy under President Donald Trump, the president’s work ethic, and related topics. Minaj responded by praising Trump’s business background and experience recovering from personal financial setbacks, stating that this experience equipped him to manage national economic matters.
She also said he “outworks people who are half his age” and highlighted his approach to international relations, saying the United States should prioritize its own interests.
Cheung accompanied the video with the caption: “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!” tagging Minaj’s account. The official White House X account replied with an eyes emoji. Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz asked Minaj’s followers for their views on the idea. Minaj reposted the video with an American flag emoji and a sweating-face emoji.
No formal appointment or nomination of Minaj has been announced by the White House. Multiple reports described the exchange as a lighthearted or joking suggestion rather than an official personnel decision. The press secretary role has remained unfilled since Katie Zacharia left the position on October 16 after five days on the job.
Zacharia’s Tenure
Zacharia’s brief tenure followed the earlier departure of Karoline Leavitt and was marked by a single short briefing and subsequent questions about her background. President Trump publicly suggested she reconsider the role, and administration officials confirmed she was transitioning out.
Minaj traveled on Air Force One with Trump on October 25 en route to a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, supporting Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections. She appeared at the event alongside the president. Minaj has previously expressed public support for Trump, including appearances at administration events earlier in 2026.
The White House press secretary serves as the primary spokesperson for the administration, conducting briefings, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating communications strategy. The position requires frequent interaction with the national press corps and detailed familiarity with policy across government agencies.
Previous occupants in the current administration have included Leavitt, who held the role for much of 2025 before stepping down.
Cheung’s post generated significant online attention and media coverage. Outlets reported the video and caption while noting the absence of any official confirmation that Minaj was under serious consideration. As of October 26, the administration had not named a permanent replacement for the press secretary role or indicated a timeline for doing so.
About the Artist
Minaj, a Trinidadian-American artist known for her commercial success in hip-hop and pop music, has maintained an active public profile that includes commentary on political and social issues. Her appearance on the presidential aircraft and at the Michigan rally formed part of broader celebrity involvement in the midterm campaign period. Trump has frequently featured supporters from entertainment and other fields at events.
The timing of the video coincided with intensified campaigning less than two weeks before Election Day on November 3. Republicans and Democrats are competing for control of Congress amid debates over economic conditions, foreign policy, and domestic priorities. Communications strategies, including social media outreach, have played a central role in recent election cycles.
Administration officials have not provided further comment on Cheung’s post beyond the original video and replies. The communications director has previously used social media for both substantive updates and informal messaging. Minaj has not issued a formal statement elaborating on the exchange beyond her emoji response.
The episode leaves the press secretary position open as the White House continues its public communications efforts through other channels and staff. Any future appointment would require formal announcement through official means. For the present, Cheung’s video stands as a documented suggestion circulating amid an unfilled high-profile role in the administration’s communications structure.
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