Donald Trump praises Nicki Minaj’s ‘beautiful skin’ at White House event

US President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump hosted a White House reception for Black History Month on Wednesday, less than two weeks after he sparked a bipartisan outcry by posting a racist video on social media that depicted former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as primates in a jungle.

Rapper Nicki Minaj and Boxer Mike Tyson

Trump on Wednesday didn't reference Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president, but spoke of other history-making Black Americans. "We celebrate Black History Month. We honour the memory of those who came before us by continuing their legacy," he said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

Trump named prominent Black Americans among his supporters, including boxer Mike Tyson, whom he praised for defending him against accusations of racism, and rapper Nicki Minaj, whose skin he praised as "so beautiful" while commenting on how long her fingernails were.