PoliticsTrump Administration Taps Nicki Minaj and Dean Cain for Million Dollar Pitch Competition in D.C.
Donald Trump's administration bring in Nicki Minaj and Dean Cain for Million Dollar Pitch Competition in D.C. next month.
Sept. 1 2026, Published 5:10 a.m. ET
President Donald Trump's administration has called on vocal Trump supporters Nicki Minaj and Dean Cain for an upcoming competition in Washington, D.C., per Fox News.
The Million Dollar Pitch Competition, expected to be held on September 18, will find five small businesses competing against each other to win a share of $1 million.
The Shark Tank-style competition will be making their pitch in front of a panel of celebrity judges, which includes the rapper. Cain will reportedly host the competition.
Trump Administration Brings in Nicki Minaj and Dean Cain for Million Dollar Pitch Competition
Nicki Minaj will be among the celebrity panel who will judge the Million Dollar Pitch Competition.
The Small Business Administration is reportedly behind the organization of the competition. Numerous small businesses from across the country submitted their pitches earlier this year, which were ultimately narrowed to five finalists.
Defense technology company Compotech, Inc., from Brewer, Maine; Winton Machine from Suwanee, Georgia; Plas-Tech Tooling from Garner, Iowa; Red River from Gillette, Wyoming and VetPowered LLC from San Diego, California are the companies that made it to the final list, per the outlet.
Dean Cain will host the Million Dollar Pitch Competition.
The report also stated that all five companies will receive a share of the $1 million prize. The winner will earn the biggest payout of $400,000, followed by the runner-up, who will take home $250,000; the third-place winner will receive $150,000; the companies that earn fourth and fifth place will receive $125,000 and $75,000, respectively.
The panel of judges will also include private equity fund manager Grant Cardone as well as Airbnb co-founder and U.S. Chief Design Officer Joe Gebbia.
- Everything You Need To Know About Diddy’s Reboot Of ‘Making The Band’
- Melania Trump's 'Deal of the Century' Raises Eyebrows Among Critics Amid First Lady's Private Life Away From the White House: 'What Else Has She Managed to Get?'
- Marjorie Taylor Greene Jokes About Mitch McConnell's Health Saga: 'We Don't Know If He's Dead or Alive'
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
SBA Administrator Touted American Pride Behind Million Dollar Pitch Competition
Kelly Loeffler said the Million Dollar Pitch Competition is part of America's 250th anniversary celebration.
Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator, implied that the upcoming competition is a part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration and will honor the small business industry that helped build the nation over the years.
“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,” Loeffler told the outlet.
“Their participation brings invaluable real-world perspective as our five exceptional finalists compete for a share of $1 million in growth capital,” she continued.
Kelly Loeffler said she is excited to meet the entrepreneurs 'who power American strength.'
“I look forward to joining them next month as we recognize the innovators and job creators who power American strength,” she added.
The outlet also highlighted the similarity between the upcoming competition and Trump's own reality TV show The Apprentice, where he made entrepreneurs power through a series of challenges to earn a chance to work at his company.
The show ran for 15 seasons until the president decided to dabble in politics.
