Full Breakdown
Trump Praises Nicki Minaj at White House Rose Garden Lunch, Cementing Celebrity-Political Alliance
7/7/2026, 4:10:44 AM
Event Highlights: Rose Garden Club Lunch, July 6
On Monday, July 6, the White House hosted its Rose Garden Club lunch, an exclusive gathering of administration officials and invited supporters. The garden featured about 25 tables with white linens and yellow roses while Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” played. President Donald Trump, 80, singled out rapper Nicki Minaj, 43, delivering compliments that prompted applause. Minaj stood, smiled, and later posted photos on X, dubbing the day “WhiteHouseBarbie.”
Background: Minaj’s Shift Toward Trump and MAGA
Nicki Minaj’s public support for President Trump began in the previous year and grew during his second term. She thanked Trump at the United Nations for addressing religious violence in Nigeria, performed at Turning Point USA’s convention, and accepted a “Gold Card” visa that promises citizenship to individuals deemed to benefit the United States. In January, she addressed the Trump Accounts Summit, calling herself the president’s “No. 1 fan.” Musically, Minaj has 149 Billboard Hot 100 entries and three No. 1 Billboard 200 albums, though she has released no new music in 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump described Minaj as a respected and hot figure, calling her a fantastic person and praising her talent as incredible. He also suggested that the enterprises associated with her exceed the scale of typical small businesses. Minaj posted a photo on X captioned “Whoa!!!! #WhiteHouseBarbie with her favorite President of all time,” and said that criticism does not affect her, noting it actually motivates her to support the president more. She thanked Trump for assisting with the finalization of her Gold Card citizenship paperwork.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue Minaj’s support for Trump clashes with the interests of many longtime fans, especially people of color and LGBTQ+ communities who view Trump’s policies as hostile to their rights. Observers label her political shift a “dramatic change” that has sparked backlash and raised doubts about her fanbase and future releases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We also have a woman that is so respected and so hot and so great and a great friend of — I don’t say conservative — I say common sense,” — Donald Trump, President
- “She’s a fantastic person and she’s a woman that’s respected by everybody and she’s got real talent: Nicki Minaj.” — Donald Trump, President
- “They call it small business, Nicki, but when you add it up, it’s bigger than any back in the world, probably, right?” — Donald Trump, President
- “Whoa!!!! #WhiteHouseBarbie with her favorite President of all time!!! ?????,” — Nicki Minaj, Rapper (X post)
- “I am probably the president’s No. 1 fan, and that’s not going to change,” — Nicki Minaj, Rapper (Trump Accounts Summit)
What’s Next
Minaj is slated for future Trump-aligned events, while her next music release remains uncertain. The administration’s continued use of celebrity endorsements suggests more high-profile collaborations ahead.
