American rapper, Nicki Minaj, has expressed support for President Donald Trump, crediting him with changing the atmosphere in the United States while urging voters to elect Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections.
Minaj made the remarks on Sunday during a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, where she appeared alongside Trump to rally support for Republican candidates, according to the BBC.
Addressing the crowd, the rapper said the president had given Americans renewed hope for the future and encouraged voters to back Republican contenders in the forthcoming elections.
“We really need all these great people to be elected, because this is a major turning point for our country,” she said.
Dressed in a gold-coloured Gucci-branded suit, Minaj led supporters in chants celebrating Trump and Republican candidates contesting elections in Michigan.
Trump praised the rapper after her appearance, describing her as smart and saying she had never looked more beautiful.
Earlier in his address, the president had drawn attention to Minaj with a comment about her figure before inviting her to stand as the audience cheered.
Minaj reportedly travelled to Michigan aboard Air Force One with Trump.
She also featured in a video with a presidential aide during the flight, where she jokingly acted as though she were interviewing for the position of White House press secretary.
The rapper has previously referred to herself as Trump’s “number one fan”, although she has also criticised some of his policies during his first term in office.
She has publicly endorsed several of his positions, including his claims concerning the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and his proposed gold card visa programme, which targets wealthy individuals seeking US residency and a pathway to citizenship.
Minaj’s appearance came amid heightened political activity in Michigan, where the Senate race has attracted attention as Democrats and Republicans intensify their campaigns ahead of the midterm elections.
According to the report, Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing Republican Mike Rogers in the contest.
During his remarks at the rally, 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 remarks as Islamophobic, accusing Trump of using his name and religious background to divert attention from the impact of the administration’s policies on the cost of living.
Former US President, Barack Obama also campaigned alongside El-Sayed on Saturday, as Democrats stepped up efforts to secure support ahead of the elections.
The campaign appearances underscore the growing political contest between the two major parties as they seek to mobilise voters and gain control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
