That was the unexpected line that drew laughter and raised eyebrows at a White House Black History Month reception, as President Donald Trump singled out the rap superstar while addressing guests gathered to mark the annual observance.

In a room filled with Black community leaders, clergy, entertainers and administration officials, Trump veered off his prepared remarks to talk about popular culture. According to attendees, he referenced Nicki Minaj while attempting to praise Black achievement and beauty, pivoting from a broader comment on Black entertainers to the Queens-born rapper.

I love Nicki Minaj, her skin is so beautiful, Trump said, prompting a mix of chuckles, surprised looks and scattered applause from the audience. The remark, captured on video and quickly circulated online, became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

The reception, held in the White House, was intended to highlight the contributions of African Americans in politics, arts, science and business. Trump spoke about economic opportunity, criminal justice reform and his administration’s outreach to Black voters, but it was the off-the-cuff compliment about Minaj that dominated social media discussion afterward.

Clips of the moment spread rapidly across Instagram and X, with users debating whether the comment was a harmless attempt at flattery or another example of the president’s often awkward approach to race and representation. Some supporters framed it as a lighthearted acknowledgment of a global star with a massive fan base, while critics argued it reduced the occasion to a comment on physical appearance.

Nicki Minaj, known for her chart-topping hits and outspoken persona, did not immediately issue a formal response, but her fan community, the Barbz, eagerly shared and dissected the video. Memes, reaction posts and edited clips multiplied, ensuring the remark reached far beyond the White House audience.

What was meant as a ceremonial celebration of Black history and culture ended up generating headlines for a single unscripted line, underscoring how even a brief aside from a sitting president can reshape the narrative of an entire event.