The Trump administration has tapped MAGA-supporting rapper Nicki Minaj to judge a new $1 million small-business competition inspired by the president’s former reality-TV hit, “The Apprentice.”
Million Dollar Pitch Competition
Announced by the Small Business Administration, the “Million Dollar Pitch Competition” will give five entrepreneurs a chance to compete for a share of the $1 million prize pool by pitching their businesses for investment. Former “Superman” actor Dean Cain, another MAGA celebrity, will host.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler promoted the competition as bringing “boardroom energy” to Washington, drawing comparisons to “The Apprentice,” the NBC reality show Trump hosted for more than a decade.
“The Apprentice” put contestants’ business skills to the test and aired for 15 seasons from 2004 to 2017. Created by British television producer Mark Burnett, the series was co-produced with Donald Trump, who hosted the first 14 seasons.
The administration’s latest reality-style proposal quickly generated strong reactions on social media. While supporters applauded the effort to spotlight small businesses, critics questioned the need for a Hollywood-style production from federal officials while pressing economic and policy issues remain unresolved.
“This dumb ass just keep getting away with unnecessary bullshit thats not needed!” one social media user wrote on X.
Another user called out Minaj, writing, “She finna get rich coonin— oh wait, that’s been her whole career.”
A third user expressed frustration over the administration’s focus, posting, “Gooodddddd gawddddd anything but them files and accountability!!!”
Minaj, whose public alignment with Trump and conservative allies has deepened over the past year, enthusiastically endorsed the competition on X. Calling the role a “major, MAJOR KEY,” she expressed excitement about joining the administration’s efforts to support Main Street entrepreneurs.
The “Million Dollar Pitch Competition” is at least the second reality-style production associated with the Trump administration during his second term. In August, the Department of Transportation released “The Great American Road Trip,” a six-episode series featuring Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his family traveling across the country.
Small businesses across the U.S. are struggling under the weight of rising costs, sweeping tariffs, and high borrowing rates, yet they remain a major driving force in the national economy.
Black women remain the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., according to data from Wells Fargo and the National Women’s Business Council. They outpace all other demographic groups even as many face persistent challenges securing traditional financing.
SBA data shows the U.S. has approximately 36.2 million small businesses. They account for 99.9% of all American firms, generate about 43.5% of the nation’s gross domestic product, and employ nearly 46% of the private-sector workforce.
