Rapper Nicki Minaj has praised US President Donald Trump, saying he has “changed the energy of the country” as she joined him at a rally in Michigan to campaign for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.
According to the BBC, Minaj made the remarks at a rally in Port Huron on Sunday, saying Trump had given Americans “a future to look forward to” while urging voters to support Republican candidates.
“We really need all these great people to be elected, because this is a major turning point for our country,” she said.
Minaj, who wore a gold-coloured Gucci-branded suit, led the crowd in chanting Trump’s name and those of Republican candidates in Michigan.
Trump praised the rapper as she left the stage, saying she had never looked more beautiful and describing her as smart.
Earlier in his speech, Trump drew attention to Minaj by commenting on her figure before inviting her to stand as the crowd cheered.
The rapper travelled to Michigan aboard Air Force One with the president. She also appeared in a video with a presidential aide on the plane, jokingly pretending to interview for the position of White House press secretary.
Minaj has previously described herself as Trump’s “number one fan”, although she criticised some of his policies during his first term in office.
She has also publicly backed 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 and a pathway to citizenship.
The rally took place as Michigan’s Senate race attracted attention, with Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed facing Republican Mike Rogers, according to the report.
During his remarks, 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 comments as Islamophobic, arguing that Trump is using his name and religion to distract voters from the impact of the administration’s policies on everyday costs.
Former US President Barack Obama also campaigned alongside El-Sayed on Saturday as Democrats and Republicans intensified their efforts ahead of the elections.
The campaign events reflect the wider political contest for control of Congress, with both parties seeking to mobilise voters ahead of the November midterm elections.