Trump Floats Nicki Minaj for Press Secretary: Top Contenders For The Job

President Donald Trump suggested during a Florida interview on Friday that rap artist Nicki Minaj or conservative media figure Benny Johnson could potentially serve as his next White House press secretary. Responding to Johnson, Trump remarked: "That's a good idea. I'm going to think about that." He then turned to Johnson and added: "How about you?

You'd be pretty good, too." The lighthearted remarks left open questions about the seriousness of the comments and highlighted the competition for the role. Since Karoline Leavitt left the position in mid-August, the White House has gone without a permanent press secretary for over 60 of the past 65 days. Prior to her appointment, the post remained vacant for 45 days following Leavitt's departure on August 27.

Trump previously touted Zacharia as a "loyal and brilliant supporter," but her tenure lasted only five days after the 14-minute briefing she delivered. Questions about the criteria for selection, such as loyalty, familiarity with Trump, and the ability to handle the White House press corps, loomed large. Speculation about Minaj gained traction after White House communications director Steven Cheung shared a video of her on Air Force One, tagging the White House and including a laughing emoji.

While Minaj garnered a slight lead among traders on Kalshi and Polymarket, the decentralized nature of these platforms meant that prices did not necessarily reflect a formal internal deliberation. Among those considered were current or former associates of Trump, such as Harrison Fields, Margo Martin, Natalie Harp, Maria Bartiromo, Elizabeth Pipko, and Ben Ferguson.

With a direct path to the podium as a special assistant to the president and principal deputy press secretary, Kelly holds the most straightforward route to the position. Trump had previously mentioned her name as a potential successor during the search process. However, her role would rely on her existing familiarity with the administration rather than a promotion from within the press office.