Nicki Minaj Joins Trump Administration's Million Dollar Pitch Competition as Celebrity Judge
Nicki Minaj is set to join the judging panel for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition. This initiative, part of the Trump administration's Freedom 250 program, aims to celebrate 250 years of American free enterprise. Five entrepreneurs will compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool, with payouts ranging from $75,000 for fifth place to $400,000 for first place. Minaj will judge alongside real estate investor Grant Cardone and Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia. The finale, hosted by Dean Cain, is scheduled for September 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This role marks another instance of Minaj's increasing public alignment with President Trump, following her participation in the Treasury Department’s Trump Accounts Summit in January 2026. 
