Rapper Nicki Minaj has urged Americans to vote for Republican candidates in the forthcoming US midterm elections, praising President Donald Trump for what she described as a change in the country’s mood.
Minaj made the remarks on Sunday at a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, where she joined Trump in campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of the November elections.
According to the BBC, the rapper said Trump had changed the country’s energy and 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 suit, Minaj led the crowd in chanting Trump’s name and those of Republican candidates in Michigan.
Trump praised the rapper after her appearance, describing her as smart and saying she had never looked more beautiful. Earlier, he had drawn attention to her figure before inviting her to stand as the audience cheered.
Minaj travelled to Michigan aboard Air Force One with Trump. She also appeared in a video with a presidential aide on the aircraft, jokingly pretending to interview for the position of White House press secretary.
Her appearance adds to the growing list of public endorsements she has given Trump, whom she previously described herself as his “number one fan”, despite having criticised some of his policies during his first term.
The rapper has also backed some of the president’s positions, including his claims concerning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and his proposed gold card visa programme for wealthy applicants seeking US residency and a pathway to citizenship.
Her support comes as Republicans and Democrats intensify campaigns ahead of the midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.
In Michigan, the Senate race has drawn attention, with Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed facing Republican Mike Rogers.
At the rally, Trump criticised El-Sayed’s Muslim faith and background, alleging that the Democratic candidate 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 the administration’s policies on the cost of living.
Former US President Barack Obama campaigned alongside El-Sayed on Saturday, underscoring the high stakes of the contest as both parties seek to mobilise supporters before November’s vote.
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