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Ted Cruz Called 'Creepy' After Chasing Nicki Minaj for White House Photo — Melanin News | Melanin
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Ted Cruz Called 'Creepy' After Chasing Nicki Minaj for White House PhotoCelebrity

Ted Cruz Called 'Creepy' After Chasing Nicki Minaj for White House Photo

1w ago

A White House event intended to promote a financial initiative took an unexpected turn when Senator Ted Cruz reportedly made a highly persistent, and ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to secure a photo with rap superstar Nicki Minaj.

The incident, which occurred on January 28, 2026, during the "Trump Accounts Summit" in Washington D.C., saw the Texas Republican's actions described as "creepy" by Alex Bruesewitz, a Trump adviser who was managing Minaj's schedule. Reports indicate that after a formal photo request was denied, Cruz's team pursued Minaj through the White House hallways, attempting to capture a shot as she was leaving the venue.

Image related to Ted Cruz Called 'Creepy' After Chasing Nicki Minaj for White House Photo
Related image from the original report Source

Minaj was a featured guest at the summit, where she was promoting the "Trump Accounts" program, an initiative designed to encourage parents to establish tax-advantaged investment accounts for their children, with newborns receiving an initial $1,000. During her appearance, Minaj openly declared herself "probably the president's number one fan" and stated that criticism of former President Donald Trump only fueled her support. Trump himself lauded Minaj at a Black History Month reception, calling her "beautiful" and noting she "gets it," even presenting her with a symbolic "gold card."

According to Bruesewitz, Minaj was on a tight schedule, hurrying to the Oval Office and unable to accommodate every request for a picture. While she did pose for photos with other staffers and elected officials who, in Bruesewitz's words, "respected her time," a posed photo with Senator Cruz was reportedly not granted. Bruesewitz explained his decision, stating, "We just didn't have time for Ted. Plus, brand-wise, it’s not exactly a good look to pose with Lyin' Ted, so I was looking out for my girl."

Despite the rejection, Cruz's team reportedly "cornered Minaj on the way out and snapped a shot as she was leaving," seemingly trying to create the impression that they had achieved their desired photo opportunity. Macarena Martinez, Cruz's Communications Director, later posted a blurry image, which she presented as evidence of a positive interaction. However, multiple witnesses, including Breitbart News Washington Bureau Chief Matt Boyle, contradicted this account.

Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz Source

Boyle publicly stated that Cruz had pursued Minaj and did not receive a posed photo, characterizing the hastily taken shot as "creepy" and describing Cruz's actions as "very strange behavior by a U.S. senator." On social media, Boyle further asserted that "Cruz raced over to her to ambush her in the venue and snap a photo of them talking. He did NOT get the posed photo he begged so desperately for." Bruesewitz added his own strong reaction, noting, "I sure as heck won't be taking any foreign policy advice from a guy who behaves like that."

This incident also comes amidst a perceived pattern of Senator Cruz seeking celebrity validation. On the very same day, he brought musician Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee concerning concert ticketing practices. Cruz later shared videos of their meeting, an action that some observers interpreted as an effort to gain celebrity endorsement.

The interaction at the White House highlights the complex dynamic between political figures and cultural icons, especially when public figures are seen as leveraging celebrity encounters for political capital. For Minaj's team, the decision was clearly about managing her brand and schedule, while for Cruz, the pursuit of a celebrity photo op became a public spectacle that drew criticism for its perceived lack of decorum. The event underscores how closely such encounters are scrutinized, particularly when they involve high-profile personalities from different spheres.