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Nicki Minaj, Dean Cain tapped by Trump admin. for Shark Tank-style show to promote small business

September 1, 2026 | | Print Article

The Trump administration has tapped rapper Nicki Minaj and actor Dean Cain to travel to Washington, D.C., for a competition modeled on the popular reality TV series “Shark Tank.”

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is holding a “Million Dollar Pitch Competition” in which entrepreneurs will compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool, with the two MAGA stars being part of a celebrity panel of judges.

Five lucky finalists will get a chance to pitch their ideas to Minaj, Airbnb co-founder and U.S. Chief Design Officer Joe Gebbia, and private equity fund manager Grant Cardone, with Cain, who once played Superman, hosting the September 18 event. Fox News Digital first reported the news on Monday.

“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, the SBA is celebrating America’s legacy of free enterprise through the Million Dollar Pitch Competition—a historic live event showcasing the essential contributions of America’s small businesses,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler told the outlet.

President Donald J. Trump famously hosted the long-running reality TV series “The Apprentice” before entering politics, and the “Million Dollar Pitch Competition” taps into that vibe to promote small business success.

“The competition is another example of the Trump administration’s efforts to spotlight American ingenuity and partner with the private sector to support innovation and small-business growth,” Fox News Digital reported.

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The award-winning Minaj, who’s been dubbed the “Queen of Rap,” is a loyal ally of the president and has partnered with the administration for the competition.

“I am probably the president’s number one fan, and that’s not going to change…He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him,” Minaj said of Trump earlier this year.

She is really pumped for the competition. “Sooooooooooo looking forward to this!!!” Minaj wrote in a Monday post to X.

“Their participation brings invaluable real-world perspective as our five exceptional finalists compete for a share of $1 million in growth capital. I look forward to joining them next month as we recognize the innovators and job creators who power American strength,” Loeffler said.

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According to Fox News: “The five finalists are defense technology company Compotech, Inc. in Brewer, ME, metalworking machinery manufacturer Winton Machine in Suwanee, GA, plastic mold manufacturing company Plas-Tech Tooling in Garner, IA, pressure vessel manufacturer Red River in Gillette, WY, and machinery manufacturing firm VetPowered LLC in San Diego, CA.”

All of the finalists will win a part of the prize, with the winner taking home $400,000, the second place finisher scoring $250,000, the third place finalist getting $150,000, and fourth and fifth place leaving with $125,000 and $75,000.

Trump praised Minaj as “hot” during the Rose Garden Club Lunch in July.

“She’s a fantastic person, and she’s a woman that’s respected by everybody, and she’s got real talent,” he said. “Such a great person and respected by everybody.”

Chris Donaldson
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