nicki minaj and Donald Trump Alex Bruesewitz, a Republican strategist who said they are “absolutely” friends, also dismissed speculation surrounding the rapper’s relationship with the president.
Speaking to TMZ outside a Capitol Hill club in Washington, D.C., Brusewitz said he initially connected with Minaj through mutual friends and later watched her relationship with Trump develop into what he called a true friendship.
“She was a great person,” Brusewitz said, adding Minaj Has a “huge platform” and has consistently supported Trump and his political movement.
When asked directly if the rapper and the president were friends outside of politics, he responded: “I would definitely say they are friends.”
Also read: Nicki Minaj slams Don Lemon over Minnesota church protest; uses homophobic slur
“Nicky never asked the president…”
Brusewitz dismissed rumors that Minaj supported Trump in exchange for political favors, visas or financial benefits.
“There is no discussion about this yet,” he said of online speculation.
“Nikki never asked the president for anything. She just offered help. She asked us how she could help us,” Brusewitz claimed.
He also denied claims involving a presidential pardon or payment, saying: “There were no conversations about a pardon. There were no conversations about a financial payment.”
The strategist believes much of the criticism directed at Minaj stems from dissatisfaction with a major celebrity’s public alignment with what he says is a traditionally Democratic-leaning entertainment industry.
Also read: Nicki Minaj slams Don Lemon over Minnesota church protest; uses homophobic slur
celebrity political endorsement
Brusewitz said Minaj’s reach differs from that of many celebrities because she has spent more than two decades building a loyal audience.
“Nikki is not an overnight success,” he said, contrasting her with what he calls “astroturf” celebrities who gain popularity quickly but lack a strong influence on fans.
During the conversation, Brusewitz also indirectly attacked other rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion discuss celebrity support for Democrats and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I would say that when Meg Thee Stallion or Cardi B twerks on stage at a Kamala rally and barely understands the speech, it probably won’t have much of an impact,” he said.
Brusewitz also helped connect Trump with several high-profile celebrities and creators, including Joe Rogan, Jake Paul, Theo Von and Ardin Roth.
