Rapper Nicki Minaj joined Donald Trump on stage at a Republican campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan on Sunday, where the US president made a comment about her appearance before inviting her to stand before the cheering crowd.
During the rally, Trump said: "By the way, I looked at one hell of a beautiful ass before – Nicki Minaj. That’s hard to miss! Stand up! That’s hard to miss!" He urged the rapper, who travelled with Trump on Air Force One on Sunday to attend the rally, to stand up.
Minaj's Pledge of Support
On stage, Nicki Minaj pledged her support to Trump, saying she would support him "forever and ever." She said: "I am so honoured to be working with this president. He represents resilience."
She added: "Since he's come back, he's changed the energy of our country. He's given us a future to look forward to."
"I will continue to support you forever and ever. If you run again, I will support you again."
As she left the stage, Trump said: "She never looked more beautiful. She gets it. She's smart."
Expert Analysis of Body Language
Body language expert and author Judi James has analysed the footage, highlighting what she believes could be signs of embarrassment in Minaj’s reaction as well as a gesture from Trump that she described as resembling an "ownership ritual."
According to the expert, Minaj appeared to cover her face with her hand after the president’s remark, a movement that could read as a sign of embarrassment.
Judi James, speaking via casino.guru/canada/, said: "Nicki appears to try to cover her face with her hand in a cut-off ritual that would usually suggest embarrassment. The people around her turn toward her, smiling as she does so."
"Trump’s body language suggests he enjoys flouting social rules about what is and isn’t appropriate. He delivers his comments with the timing, vocal intonation and body language of a 1970s stand-up comic, appearing to take his cues from the audience’s reaction to keep going."
"During his ‘comedy’ pauses, he adopts a pose of defiance, with his chin raised and his eyebrows following suit. He seems to be seeking admiration for his daring."
"As he comments on Nicki’s ‘beautiful ass,’ he extends his arm fully toward her in the audience, as though presenting her with a prize in the form of this ‘compliment.’ He then gestures for her to ‘Stand up’ and adds, ‘That’s hard to miss.’"
"There is a message here of ultimate power. Trump seems to be telling the world that he can say what he wants and do what he likes."
Analysis of Stage Interaction
Judi James also analysed the moment Trump escorted Minaj towards the lectern, noting that he initially offered his hand before changing his grip and taking hold of her wrist.
She said: "As Nicki approaches the stage, Trump initially offers his hand for her to place hers on top, like an old-fashioned courtier leading a titled lady into a ballroom. It signals care and respect. But as she opens her mouth wide with excitement and waves to the crowd, he quickly switches hands and grabs her wrist in what looks more like an ownership ritual, biting his lower lip as he ushers her toward the lectern."
"As Nicki leads a chant of ‘We love Trump,’ he moves directly behind her. Given their height difference, this allows him to share her spotlight while his nonverbal reactions play out above her head like captions. He stands behind her, beaming, basking and gently rotating like a giant kebab on a rotisserie."
"Nicki’s nonverbal display suggests confidence and A-list authority. She rolls her eyes and splays her long-nailed fingers as though showing her claws. Her flat, raised palm and lifted index finger are equally authoritative gestures, suggesting she knows best."
"Nicki closes with, ‘If you run again, I will support you again!’ This appears to please Trump immensely. He throws his arms wide in an offer of a hug, then politely tempers the gesture, taking hold of her upper arms instead and planting a fully puckered kiss on her cheek."
