Steven Cheung Suggests Nicki Minaj for Press Secretary
The communications director posted a video featuring the rapper aboard Air Force One.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in People
White House communications director Steven Cheung posted a video on X featuring rapper Nicki Minaj in a mock job interview for press secretary. The clip was filmed aboard Air Force One while Minaj traveled with President Donald Trump.
Why it matters
The suggestion follows recent instability within the press office, which has seen two departures in as many months. The move comes as the administration looks to fill a high-profile role following the exits of Karoline Leavitt and Katie Zacharia.
Katie Zacharia served as press secretary for only five days and took questions from three reporters before departing earlier this month. The video featuring Nicki Minaj, who previously attended the Trump Accounts Summit in January 2026, lasts two minutes.
The players
Steven Cheung
He serves as the White House communications director.
Nicki Minaj
She is a prominent rapper and songwriter who attended the Trump Accounts Summit.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
Karoline Leavitt
She previously held the position of White House press secretary.
Katie Zacharia
She served briefly as the White House press secretary earlier this month.
The details
In the video posted on October 25, 2026, Cheung conducts a mock interview with Minaj while the pair are aboard Air Force One. The official White House account later acknowledged the post by responding with an emoji.
Timeline
Minaj appeared at the Trump Accounts Summit in January 2026.
Karoline Leavitt departed as press secretary in August 2026.
Katie Zacharia left the press secretary role in October 2026.
Steven Cheung posted the video featuring Minaj on October 25, 2026.
Market Landscape
The administration's use of social media for candidate signaling marks a departure from traditional press announcement protocols. This trend shifts how the public perceives staffing, positioning the White House against legacy media expectations.
The high turnover rate in the press office may impact how information is disseminated to the public. Residents and media consumers should watch for official confirmation of a permanent press secretary.
The takeaway
The viral nature of the post highlights the increasingly unconventional methods used by the current administration to manage its public image. Observers are left to determine if such social media activity is a precursor to an official announcement or purely performative.
Further reading
For more on administrative updates, see People.
