The White House just joked about hiring a pop star as its top reporter. On Sunday, Communications Director Steven Cheung posted a video of rapper Nicki Minaj aboard Air Force One. “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found the new White House Press Secretary,” he wrote, according to the Daily Wire. The official account replied with an eyes emoji, turning a serious role into a punchline.
Yes! I think @StevenCheung47 makes a great White House press secretary
— Miranda Devine (@mirandadevine) October 25, 2026
This comes after a rough stretch for the press office. Karoline Leavitt left the job in August to support her family. Trump then picked Katie Zacharia to replace her, but she lasted only five days. Her single briefing ended after just 14 minutes with only three reporters asking questions. A GOP strategist told the Washington Examiner that Zacharia was becoming “a distraction.” Now, the White House is looking for someone new, and the answer might be a joke.
The press secretary job is not a popularity contest. It requires someone who knows the rules and can handle tough questions. Yet, the White House is treating the position like a game show. Cheung interviewed Minaj in the video, asking her about the economy. She told him, “Well, we have a president who understands economics, first of all,” per the Daily Wire. “If he can do that himself, with his own finances, surely he knows what to do with the country,” she added.
Minaj praised the president’s work ethic, saying he “outworks people who are half his age,” according to the Washington Examiner. She believes his business success proves he can lead the nation. While her support is strong, the job demands more than loyalty. It needs a steady hand to explain policy to the public. The current team seems to think a viral video is enough to fill the gap left by two quick departures.
Two press secretaries in less than a month sends a confusing message. Reports claim Zacharia skipped the bar exam, which was required for her position, due to her hasty departure. The Washington Examiner noted she referred to herself as an attorney despite these claims. This kind of rapid change makes the White House look unstable. Conservative podcaster Miranda Devine played along with the joke, saying that in her view, Steven Cheung would excel as the White House press secretary.
Even if the intent is humor, the reality is messy. The press office has been in flux since Leavitt stepped down. There has been no official announcement on a new press secretary. Following Leavitt’s resignation, the White House requires a new leader. When the team cannot hold a steady briefing, the public loses trust in the message. You deserve clear answers, not a mock interview with a celebrity.
The real test is who gets the job next. Minaj is a visible ally, appearing at the Treasury Department summit in January. She is expected to join Trump for a rally in Michigan as the midterm elections approach. But the press secretary needs to be a professional, not just a fan. The White House must decide if this role is serious or just a joke.
Leadership requires accountability, and the voters are watching. If the team cannot find someone stable, the confusion will continue. The American people need a press secretary who can explain the facts without a script.
