US President Donald Trump delivered an unexpected viral moment during a White House reception commemorating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month when he took time to publicly gush over rapper Nicki Minaj. Hosting the event in the East Room on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the President deviated from standard historical acknowledgments to lavish personal compliments on the globally recognized artist, who has recently aligned herself with his administration.
Trump told the gathered audience of exceptional African American leaders and patriots that he loves Nicki Minaj, reminiscing about her visit to the White House a couple of weeks prior. He repeatedly referred to her as “so beautiful” and specifically praised her complexion, stating that her skin is beautiful. In a lighthearted exchange that quickly spread across social media, the President also joked about the extreme length of her fingernails, recounting how he asked her if they were real, to which she reportedly declined to answer.
While the President also name-checked other prominent Black supporters, such as boxing legend Mike Tyson, and addressed his administration’s policies, including criminal justice reform and funding for historically Black colleges, it was his unscripted fascination with Minaj’s appearance that eclipsed other segments of the speech. Observers noted that the remarks highlight a deepening cultural and political alliance between the conservative leader and the entertainer, who recently declared herself his biggest fan at the
Trump Accounts Summit. The unexpected pivot to discussing a pop culture figure’s manicure and beauty during a formal national observance has sparked widespread debate online, with commentators highlighting the increasingly blurred lines between celebrity influence and modern politics.