Fact Check: Is Trump considering Nicki Minaj for White House press secretary?

WASHINGTON, DC: A social media post suggests that US President Donald Trump is considering rapper Nicki Minaj for the role of White House press secretary. The rumor gained attention after White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a video of Minaj aboard Air Force One and jokingly suggested that she could become the next press secretary. The post sparked speculation among fans and social media users about a possible appointment. But is it true?

Claim: Trump considers Nicki Minaj as White House Press Secretary

The rumor gained attention after a clip showed US President Donald Trump discussing the possibility of appointing rapper Nicki Minaj as the next White House press secretary.

During a recent interview, Benny Johnson asked Trump whether he would consider Minaj for the position. Trump responded, "That's a good idea. I think I'll have to think about that. I'm going to think about that. How about you? You'd be pretty good, too."

Speculation about Minaj becoming the next White House press secretary began in mid-October, when an X account claimed that Trump was considering her for the position. The claim sparked online discussions and speculation.

On October 25, Minaj appeared alongside Trump at a campaign rally in Michigan, where she expressed her continued support for the president.

On the same day, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a video of Minaj aboard Air Force One and joked, "Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary!"

Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz also added to the speculation by asking Minaj's fans, known as the Barbz, what they thought about the idea. Minaj responded to the online exchange with an American flag emoji and a nervous-laughter emoji.

Fact Check: The claim is false

The claim is false. During an interview with Benny Johnson, Trump gave a non-committal and light-hearted response. Trump said he would "think about" the idea before turning the question into a joke about Johnson himself. His response did not confirm that he was seriously considering Minaj for the role.

The White House press secretary position has remained vacant since mid-October 2026, following Katie Zacharia's brief five-day tenure. Trump has indicated that he is in no particular hurry to appoint a replacement as his administration focuses on the midterm elections.

Speculation about Nicki Minaj's possible appointment emerged after Trump publicly praised the rapper and appeared alongside her, including at a rally in Michigan. Minaj has also expressed strong support for Trump. However, neither Trump nor the White House has announced a formal job offer, confirmed her candidacy, or indicated that officials have started a vetting process for her appointment.

Prediction markets have also given Minaj relatively low odds of securing the position, placing her chances at around 5–8%. Other names, including Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly and political commentator Scott Jennings, have received greater attention. Although one reporter cited "Oval Office insiders" who described Minaj's appointment as a "genuine possibility," the suggestion remains unconfirmed.

Trump's positive but joking response during the interview does not establish that he has seriously considered Minaj for the position. The viral claim exaggerates a casual exchange and the speculation that followed it. As of October 31, 2026, the White House has not announced a candidate to fill the vacant press secretary position.