Minaj Vows to Stay After Trump Calls Her Favorite

"Not going anywhere. Right where I need to be." Nicki Minaj posted this message alongside a praying hands emoji after an X user shared video of President Donald Trump describing her as his "favorite" during an Oval Office visit. The rapper’s response reaffirms her allegiance to the administration, contrasting sharply with backlash she previously faced for similar political stances.

Trump Praises Rapper in Oval Office

The exchange began when footage circulated showing Trump welcoming Minaj into the Oval Office. During the interaction, the president remarked that the musician had "been with him for a long time." Minaj directly addressed the viral post by confirming her position within the administration's circle.

Supporters quickly flooded the comments section with praise. One fan described her involvement as being "a part of something that is historical," while another noted she was finally "where [she is] appreciated and loved." Another supporter highlighted their shared New York origins, exclaiming, "The Donald and Onika repping Queens to the fullest!" A different comment referred to her as "Presidential Barbie," a nod to one of her established nicknames.

Critics Question Political Alignment

Opposition voices were equally vocal. According to The Mirror, one critic targeted the setting itself, writing, "Look at that gaudy, cheap room. It is right where you should be." Others urged her to focus on her career rather than politics. "Where you need to be is in the studio ma’am," one user commented. A third remark accused the pair of ignoring broader issues, stating, "Trump is a racist, you two know wtf ur doing."

Shift From Immigration Criticism

This current alignment represents a notable reversal from Minaj’s earlier stance on the administration’s policies. In 2018, she publicly condemned the separation of parents and children at the U.S.-Mexico border. Reporting by Billboard at the time captured her Instagram statement: "I came to this country as an illegal immigrant @ 5 years old. I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5. This is so scary to me. Please stop this."

Her commentary coincided with widespread criticism of the family-separation policy under the Trump administration. By January 2026, however, Minaj appeared alongside the president at a Treasury event. She further solidified this new position by labeling herself Trump’s "No. 1 fan" in a social media post, underscoring the extent of her political evolution since those earlier objections.