US President Donald Trump drew media attention on Sunday, October 25, during a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, with remarks about the buttocks of prominent rapper and supporter Nicki Minaj. Trump said: “I have seen an incredibly beautiful backside before — Nicki Minaj’s! You can’t miss it. Stand up!” His comments were met with cheers from the crowd.

Trump made the remarks while defending his previous comments about the physique of Jon Husted, a Republican senator from Ohio. He explained that after learning about Husted’s college football background, he examined his build and commented on his buttocks. Trump said media criticism of the remarks had ignored their sporting context.

The US president then pointed to Nicki Minaj, who was seated among the audience, and asked her to stand. Minaj rose and waved to the crowd. Trump added: “I hope Nicki was not offended, but we love Nicki. She has supported us for a long time.”

Minaj, who had travelled with Trump to Michigan aboard the US presidential aircraft, later took the stage and reiterated her support for him. Addressing Trump, she said: “I am proud to stand beside you, and I will continue to support you forever. If you run again, I will support you again.” After her remarks, Trump said Minaj had “never looked more beautiful”.

Minaj’s comments about Trump running again came despite the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, which bars anyone from being elected president more than twice.

The rally was held in support of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers and Republican candidate for Michigan governor John James ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.