Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump are “absolutely” friends, according to Republican strategist Alex Bruesewitz, who also dismissed speculation surrounding the rapper’s relationship with the president.
Speaking to TMZ outside the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, DC, Bruesewitz said he initially connected with Minaj through mutual friends and later watched her relationship with Trump develop into what he described as a genuine friendship.
“She’s a great person,” Bruesewitz said, adding that Minaj has “a massive platform” and has been supportive of Trump and his political movement.
When asked directly whether the rapper and the president were friends beyond politics, he replied: “I would absolutely say that they’re friends.”
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‘Nicki has never asked the president…’
Bruesewitz pushed back against rumors that Minaj supported Trump in exchange for political favors, visas or financial benefits.
{{/usCountry}}Bruesewitz pushed back against rumors that Minaj supported Trump in exchange for political favors, visas or financial benefits.
{{/usCountry}}“There’s been no conversations around that,” he said while addressing online speculation.
“Nicki has never asked the president for anything. She’s only been helpful. She’s asked us how she can help us,” Bruesewitz claimed.
He also denied claims involving presidential pardons or payments, stating: “No conversation about a pardon has taken place. No conversation about financial payments has taken place.”
The strategist argued that much of the criticism directed at Minaj stems from discomfort over a major celebrity publicly aligning herself outside what he described as the traditionally Democrat-leaning entertainment industry.
Also Read: Nicki Minaj blasts Don Lemon over Minnesota church protest; uses homophobic slur
Celebrity political endorsements
According to Bruesewitz, Minaj’s influence is different from many celebrities because she has spent more than two decades building a loyal audience.
“Nicki wasn’t someone who became famous overnight,” he said, contrasting her with what he called “astroturf” celebrities who quickly gain visibility but lack strong influence over fans.
During the conversation, Bruesewitz also took indirect jabs at fellow rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion while discussing celebrity support for Democrats and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I’ll say when Meg Thee Stallion or Cardi B twerks on stage at a Kamala rally and can barely read a speech, that probably doesn’t have much of an impact,” he said.
Bruesewitz has also helped connect Trump with several well-known personalities and creators, including Joe Rogan, Jake Paul, Theo Von and Adin Ross.