Nicki Minaj joins Trump at Michigan rally

US rapper Nicki Minaj joined President Donald Trump on stage at a campaign rally in Michigan, voicing support for his leadership and urging voters to elect

US rapper Nicki Minaj joined President Donald Trump on stage at a campaign rally in Michigan, voicing support for his leadership and urging voters to elect Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Minaj praised Trump during the Sunday event in Port Huron, saying he had “changed the energy of the country” and given Americans a future to look forward to. Her appearance added celebrity star power to the Republican campaign as both parties intensified their efforts ahead of closely contested congressional races.

Trump invited the rapper to address the crowd after making remarks about her appearance. Wearing a gold-coloured Gucci-branded outfit, Minaj led supporters in chants backing the president and Republican candidates in Michigan.

“We really need all these great people to be elected, because this is a major turning point for our country,” she told the audience.

Trump praised Minaj as she left the stage, calling her beautiful and smart. Earlier, he had made a remark about her appearance that drew cheers from the crowd.

The rapper travelled to Michigan aboard Air Force One alongside Trump. She also filmed a light-hearted video with a presidential aide on the aircraft, pretending to interview for the White House press secretary position.

Minaj has previously described herself as Trump’s “number one fan”, although she has criticised some of his policies during his first term in office. In recent years, she has also expressed support for several of his positions, including his claims about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria and his proposed “gold card” immigration programme.

Her latest appearance comes as Republicans and Democrats compete for control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, which will shape the remainder of Trump’s presidency.

In Michigan, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing Republican Mike Rogers in a closely watched contest. Former president Barack Obama campaigned alongside El-Sayed on Saturday as Democrats sought to strengthen their position ahead of voting day.

Trump targeted El-Sayed’s Muslim faith and background during his rally speech, claiming that the Democratic candidate would invite jihadists into the United States if elected. El-Sayed has condemned similar remarks as Islamophobic.

In a campaign advertisement released last week, El-Sayed accused Trump of using his name and religion to distract voters from the economic difficulties they face, including the cost of fuel, groceries and healthcare.

Minaj’s appearance underscores the role of celebrity endorsements in the increasingly competitive midterm campaign, as both parties seek to attract voters and strengthen support ahead of the crucial election.