Trump Leverages Non-Citizen Nicki Minaj to Court Young Voters in Midterm Push
President Donald Trump has enlisted rapper Nicki Minaj to urge young Americans to support the Republican Party in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, despite Minaj’s lack of U.S. citizenship. The 43-year-old artist, who previously criticized the president, now identifies as his 'number one fan' and has appeared on Fox News to promote GOP candidates. Although Minaj is finalizing her citizenship paperwork, she is currently ineligible to vote. This strategic move aims to counter Trump’s declining approval ratings, which have fallen to 37%, the lowest for a president entering midterms since 1990.
Key points
- Nicki Minaj, a Trinidad-born rapper, appeared on Fox News to encourage young voters to support the Republican Party in the upcoming midterms.
- Minaj is not a U.S. citizen and therefore cannot vote, though she claims to be finalizing her citizenship application.
- The endorsement is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to appeal to younger demographics amid falling approval ratings.
- Minaj has shifted from criticizing Trump to calling herself his 'number one fan' and praising his 'unedited' communication style.
- Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 37%, marking the lowest level for a president heading into midterms since 1990.
Background
This development follows a series of recent appearances by Minaj on Fox News, where she defended her support for Trump and emphasized the importance of local voting. Earlier in September, she also participated in the SBA’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition, urging young Americans to pursue entrepreneurship. The current push occurs amid ongoing legal disputes over mail-in ballot regulations and federal election monitoring, with early voting already underway.
Why it matters
The use of a high-profile celebrity who is ineligible to vote highlights the administration’s desperation to mobilize young voters in the face of declining approval ratings. It underscores the strategic importance of cultural influence in political campaigns, even when the endorser lacks direct electoral power. This move may intensify debates over the authenticity of celebrity endorsements and the boundaries of political persuasion.
What to watch
The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026. Minaj’s citizenship status may change before then, potentially allowing her to vote in future elections. The impact of her endorsement on young voter turnout remains to be seen, as does the broader effect on Republican prospects in key districts.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Daily Beast