Is Nicki Minaj the new press secretary? Not officially. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted a playful video on X that “found” the rapper as the next press secretary. The clip shows a mock job interview aboard Air Force One. The White House has made no formal announcement. The job has sat empty since Katie Zacharia left on October 16, 2026.
The Short Answer: A Joke, Not an Appointment
Right now, the answer is no. Cheung’s post teased Minaj for the role, but nobody has named her to it. The official White House account replied to the post with an eyes emoji. That reply fueled the buzz without confirming anything.
Reports say two White House staffers floated Minaj’s name after Zacharia left. President Donald Trump has not picked a successor. The video reads as a lighthearted bit, not a hiring decision.
What Happened on Air Force One
Minaj traveled with Trump on Sunday ahead of a rally in Michigan. Cheung filmed a two-minute clip with her at a table on the plane. He played the interviewer and kept his questions easy.
He first asked how the economy is doing. Minaj praised Trump’s business background and said the country has a president who understands economics. Cheung then asked whether anyone works harder than Trump. Minaj answered, “Absolutely not.”
She added that Trump wakes up at 4 a.m. and outworks people half his age. She also pointed out that he has won three elections.
Cheung closed the clip by saying the job was hers. A staffer can be heard introducing the two for the first time. Minaj reshared Cheung’s post with an American flag emoji. She also posted her own video showing she was on Air Force One.
Why the Press Secretary Job Is Open
The opening exists because of a fast run of staff changes. Here is the timeline:
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2026 | Trump announces that Karoline Leavitt will leave at the end of the month to spend more time with her young children |
| October 12, 2026 | Katie Zacharia starts as White House press secretary |
| October 16, 2026 | Zacharia leaves after less than a week, following criticism of her first briefing |
| October 25, 2026 | Cheung posts the Minaj video |
Leavitt took the job in January 2025 at age 27. She became the youngest person ever to hold the role. Zacharia came in with a different background. She worked as a Newsmax commentator and later as a spokesperson at the Department of Homeland Security.
Her first briefing drew sharp criticism. On October 16, a White House official confirmed she was “transitioning” out of the role. Trump told reporters he had asked her whether the job was right for her. He also said she should reconsider. He later said Zacharia “freaked out,” and she has since responded publicly.
The press secretary position has been vacant since October 16, 2026.
Is Nicki Minaj the New Press Secretary? What the Facts Show
So, is Nicki Minaj the new press secretary? The verified facts say no. No official statement, press release, or presidential announcement names her. Cheung’s post is a tease, and the White House account only added an emoji.
This is not the first time the idea has circulated. In August, a viral claim said Minaj would replace Leavitt. A fact check found no credible evidence for it. The White House made no such announcement then, and it has made none now.
Who Else Could Get the Job?
Trump has not confirmed a choice or a timeline. He has said many people want the job. Several real names have come up in recent reporting:
- Anna Kelly: She serves as the White House principal deputy press secretary and could move up from inside.
- Katie Miller: She hosts a conservative podcast, worked as press secretary to former Vice President Mike Pence, and is married to Trump ally Stephen Miller.
- Hogan Gidley: He was principal deputy press secretary during Trump’s first term.
These names remain unconfirmed. Reports describe them as possible contenders, nothing more.
Jimmy Fallon Added to the Buzz
Late-night comedy fed the story too. In the days after Zacharia left, Jimmy Fallon staged a fake interview with her using clips from her one briefing. He then pretended to receive breaking news. A clip of Trump appeared to announce “Nicki Minaj” as the new press secretary.
The segment was satire. It still helped push the idea into the mainstream. Cheung’s video then gave the joke a White House stamp.
Nicki Minaj’s Growing Ties to Trump
The teasing makes more sense with context. Minaj has become one of Trump’s most visible celebrity supporters. During his first term, she criticized his immigration policies. Her public stance has shifted sharply since then.
Key moments include:
- November 2025: Minaj made a surprise appearance at a United Nations event about religious persecution in Nigeria.
- January 28, 2026: At the Trump Accounts Summit at the Treasury Department in Washington, Trump called her to the stage. She said she was probably the president’s number one fan. Trump also presented her with a ceremonial Trump Gold Card.
- July 6, 2026: At a Rose Garden Club lunch at the White House, Trump praised her as “so hot” and a great friend. Minaj later posted a photo from the Oval Office on X.
Those appearances explain why a joke about a White House job landed so easily. Minaj already moves in Trump’s orbit.
What a Press Secretary Actually Does
The press secretary speaks for the administration. The person gathers information about the president’s actions and explains the White House position on world events. The job includes regular contact with the White House press corps. Most press secretaries hold daily or frequent briefings.
The president chooses the press secretary directly. The role does not require Senate confirmation. That means Trump could name anyone he wants, and an announcement could come with little warning. Still, nothing in the verified reporting shows he has offered the job to Minaj.
What to Watch Next
Three developments could settle the question:
- A formal announcement: Trump or the White House would name the next press secretary.
- A response from Minaj: She has shared Cheung’s post, but she has not made any statement about taking the job.
- More staff moves: Anna Kelly or another official could step in, even temporarily.
For now, the facts are simple. Cheung teased Minaj on October 25, 2026. The post went viral. The job remains open, and no official pick exists.
Would Nicki Minaj make a good White House press secretary, or is this just a viral moment? Share your thoughts in the comments and check back for the latest updates.