VIDEO: Nicki Minaj joins Trump aboard Air Force One

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — Rapper Nicki Minaj joined President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One on Sunday as he traveled to Michigan for a campaign rally, becoming the latest celebrity to accompany the president during an intensive tour aimed at helping Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

Trump has spent approximately 70 hours aboard the presidential aircraft this month, traveling from rally to rally across the United States. His entourage includes senior administration officials, political strategists, personal aides and celebrities who have appeared at campaign events.

Among the president’s closest advisers frequently traveling with him is White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who recently completed treatment for breast cancer. Other regular passengers include special envoy Steve Witkoff, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been the most frequent Cabinet member aboard the aircraft, according to The Associated Press. Lutnick, a longtime Trump associate, has also appeared at rallies to highlight factory investments and other economic developments promoted by the administration.

Officials and advisers with influence

Other passengers include Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, who has accompanied Trump on at least five legs of his campaign tour. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has also joined the president on trips, including a West Coast swing earlier this month.

The president’s traveling staff includes executive assistant Natalie Harp, Oval Office Operations Director Walt Nauta and his deputy, Chamberlain Harris. Speechwriting director Ross Worthington and communications advisers Margo Martin and Steven Cheung have also traveled with Trump.

Political strategists aboard the aircraft include White House political director Matt Brasseaux, former Trump administration aide Johnny DeStefano and former Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair. Their presence reflects the administration’s focus on the November 3 elections, in which Republicans are seeking to retain control of Congress.

Celebrities join the campaign tour

Minaj is among several prominent entertainers and athletes who have traveled with Trump during his campaign appearances. Retired boxing champions Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Evander Holyfield have all joined the president on separate trips.

Other guests include retired NASCAR champion Richard Petty, former NFL coach Jon Gruden, former NFL running back Todd Gurley and influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

In a video posted Sunday, White House communications director Steven Cheung interviewed Minaj aboard Air Force One as the president traveled to Michigan. The rapper praised Trump, while a White House official joked that she could become the next White House press secretary.

Political observers say the people accompanying a president can offer insight into who has access to him and may influence his priorities. Presidential campaign travel can also be demanding, making the presence of familiar advisers and celebrity guests a way to keep the atmosphere relaxed as political work continues.