President lauds rap star as “a great friend” during Rose Garden gathering as their political ties become increasingly visible

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly praised rap superstar Nicki Minaj during a White House Rose Garden event on Monday, July 6, describing her as “so great” and “a great friend” in remarks that drew attention to their increasingly visible relationship.

The comments came during a Rose Garden luncheon, where Trump singled out the Grammy-nominated artist while addressing attendees. He commended Minaj for both her global success in music and her support for his administration.

“We also have a woman that is so respected and so great, and such a great friend — I don’t say conservative, I say of common sense,” Trump said. He further described her as possessing “real talent” and called her “a fantastic person… respected by everybody.”

Minaj, dressed in a pink outfit, acknowledged the remarks with a smile as applause followed. She later stood briefly to greet the audience. According to reports, she also met with the president in the Oval Office after the event and subsequently posted on X, formerly Twitter, referring to herself as “#WhiteHouseBarbie” and praising Trump.

Evolving Political Ties

The appearance marks another step in what observers describe as a growing public alignment between Trump and the hip-hop artist. Minaj’s shift into political commentary became more pronounced in late 2025, and by early 2026, she had openly expressed strong support for the president.

The two first appeared together publicly in January 2026 at a Treasury Department event focused on the administration’s “Trump Accounts” initiative, where Minaj received a ceremonial Gold Card. During that event, she spoke in defense of Trump, criticizing what she described as unfair media treatment.

In February, Trump again referenced Minaj during a White House Black History Month reception, praising her and noting that “she gets it.”

Her latest appearance at the Rose Garden coincided with renewed promotion of the “Trump Accounts” programme, with Minaj reportedly emerging as one of its most prominent celebrity supporters.

The continued association between the president and the entertainer underscores the administration’s outreach to high-profile cultural figures as it advances key policy initiatives.