Nicki Minaj Responds to Criticism Over Support for Trump Administration

Nicki Minaj is standing by her support for President Donald Trump.

On Friday (Sept. 18), the 43-year-old rapper appeared on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle to discuss the Trump administration’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition for small businesses.

The conversation, which also featured Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler, turned to Minaj’s relationship with Trump.

“I am honored to be able to have an opportunity to work with this administration and to work with President Trump. He has inspired many people, not just me. He’s fun,” Minaj said.

The “Super Bass” rapper continued, “He’s not just smart, and, you know, he’s not just the president. But he’s also someone that I can relate to, someone that, you know, every time I see him, or every time I see him speaking to other people, he’s just himself. He’s very grounded. It’s easy to connect with him. It’s easy to feel like he heard you, he understands you. I just love him. I’m not going to ever make excuses for that.”

Minaj’s comments accompanied her participation in the Trump administration’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition, featuring five small-business finalists competing for a share of a $1 million prize pool. The SBA announced in August that Minaj would serve as a judge alongside entrepreneur and private equity fund manager Grant Cardone and Airbnb co-founder and U.S. Chief Design Officer Joe Gebbia. Actor Dean Cain is hosting the event.

The live finale took place in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18, with the five finalists competing for five prizes totaling $1 million in growth capital funded by Clover Network.

When asked during the Fox News interview if she had anything to say to her critics over her decision to work with Trump, Minaj responded, “Absolutely nothing,” adding, “I don’t know why I should.”

Minaj met with the president at the Trump Accounts Summit in January, where she praised Trump and called herself his “No. 1 fan.” Trump returned the praise during a presidential luncheon in July, when he singled out the rapper while addressing attendees.

“She’s a fantastic person and she’s a woman that’s respected by everybody,” the president said. “And she’s got real talent, Nicki Minaj. Nicki, stand up, please. Such a great person and respected by everybody.”