News
Nicki Minaj Announced as Judge in Trump-Backed Business Reality Show Earns Mockery: ‘A Court Jester for the Republicans’
Nicki Minaj’s allegiance to Donald Trump continues to spark backlash from fans.
In her latest move, the rapper was revealed to be part of a celebrity panel leading a new business competition reality show sponsored by the Republican government.
The rapper and the president became unexpected allies during his second term, and their bond has only grown stronger.
Trump’s administration seems to be honoring their leader’s reality television past with the announcement of a new initiative.
On Monday, Fox News reported the unveiling of the Million Dollar Pitch Competition set to take place in Washington, D.C., where a group of five entrepreneurs will compete for the grand prize of $1 million.
Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator, opened up in a statement that read, “As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, the SBA is celebrating America’s legacy of free enterprise through the Million Dollar Pitch Competition—a historic live event showcasing the essential contributions of America’s small businesses.”
Minaj will join Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and private equity fund manager Grant Cardone as judges for the final competition, while actor Dean Cain will serve as host.
Reality Show Echoes Donald Trump’s ‘The Apprentice’ Era
The live pitch competition, set for September 18, has been in the works, with entrepreneurs across the country submitting ideas earlier this year.
Five small businesses, however, emerged as the finalists after being evaluated on several categories, including economic impact, execution ability, and strengthening American values.
Although it is unclear if President Trump will appear or participate in the show, it is said to follow the format of his famous 2000s reality show, “The Apprentice.”
None of the five finalists will go home empty-handed, as they all have cash prizes.
Fans React To Nicki Minaj’s Casting In Business Reality Show
4The “Anaconda” rapper was no doubt thrilled with the news of her selection, taking to Twitter to commemorate it.
“This is a major, MAJOR KEY. Sooooooooooo looking forward to this!!! Imagine being a part of the Trump Administration’s initiative to support small businesses. Let’s GO,” she gushed.
Unfortunately, fans didn’t share in the excitement, bashing her for doing anything for attention. Many questioned what entrepreneurial skills Minaj had to qualify her to judge small businesses.
“Everything she does is laughably embarrassing and disgusting; she is literally a court jester for the republicans and she doesn’t even know it,” one fan slammed.
Another similar comment read, “So sad to see she has become Donald Trump’s puppet now… embarrassing!!!”
4The announcement comes months after the president made headlines with a risqué joke about the rapper at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
As The Blast reported, while looking back at the original April dinner where a shooting scare happened, Trump playfully mocked how Minaj reacted.
“After hearing the gunshots, many people yelled, ‘Get down! Get down!’ Which caused Nicki Minaj to start twerking,” Trump quipped. “Can you believe it? Get down… She’s the only one that really understood what that meant.”
The world leader laughed while addressing the crowd at the White House, but fans online found it distasteful.
He Previously Called Minaj ‘So Hot’
4Trump was already raising eyebrows about his closeness with the artist.
Weeks before the WHCD event, the president showered Minaj with high praise during the White House Rose Garden Lunch. However, it wasn’t only for her political devotion.
“We also have a woman that is so respected and so hot and so great and is a great friend, I don’t say conservative, I say of common sense,” Trump declared, per The Blast.
Online viewers soon interpreted the comment as flirty, questioning what was really going on between Trump and Minaj.
