Trump Says Nicki Minaj as Next Press Secretary Is 'a Good Idea'

Nicki Minaj as White House press secretary is “a good idea,” President Donald Trump said when asked about it. No appointment has been announced, and the White House has not said she is under formal consideration.

What Trump Said

Conservative commentator Benny Johnson asked Trump on camera: “Is Nicki Minaj going to be the next press secretary?” Trump answered: “That's a good idea. I think I'll have to think about that. I'm going to think about that.”

Trump then turned the question on Johnson. “How about you? You'd be pretty good too,” he said. Johnson posted the clip on Oct. 31 and said Trump was seriously considering Minaj. Trump's words alone do not show that.

Why the Job Is Open

Karoline Leavitt left the post at the end of August. Trump then named Katie Zacharia, a conservative commentator who started on Oct. 12. Her first briefing drew criticism, and she faced questions about her claim to be a lawyer.

Zacharia was let go on Oct. 16, after about five days. Reuters reported that Trump said he was in no rush to name a replacement. NBC News cited sources saying a quick pick is unlikely.

How the Idea Started

On Oct. 25, White House communications director Steven Cheung posted a video of himself interviewing Minaj aboard Air Force One. “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!” he wrote. Outlets described the post as a joke.

Minaj then joined Trump on stage at a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. “I will continue to support you forever and ever,” she told the crowd. She also urged people to vote Republican in the Nov. 3 midterms.

Minaj has backed Trump for months. She appeared with him at a Trump Accounts event in Washington on Jan. 28. Trump has promised voters $5,000 if Republicans win the midterms. The press secretary post remains empty.