Trump Administration Launches M Shark Tank-Style Competition with Celebrity Judges

Trump Administration Launches $1M Shark Tank-Style Competition with Celebrity Judges

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration is gearing up to host a unique Shark Tank-inspired event later this month. Rapper Nicki Minaj and actor Dean Cain, both fervent supporters of...

Editorial Desk

September 1, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration is gearing up to host a unique Shark Tank-inspired event later this month. Rapper Nicki Minaj and actor Dean Cain, both fervent supporters of President Donald Trump, will serve as judges.

The Small Business Administration’s “Million Dollar Pitch Competition” will see five entrepreneurs competing for a share of the $1 million prize. Joining Minaj and Cain on the panel will be Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and private equity fund manager Grant Cardone.

Kelly Loeffler, the agency’s administrator, expressed enthusiasm about the celebrity judges, stating they will enhance the event’s excitement. Loeffler highlighted the judges’ diverse business experiences, which will provide valuable insights for the finalists.

The competition mirrors the format of the popular TV show Shark Tank and President Trump’s former reality show The Apprentice. Minaj, a vocal ally of Trump in the music industry, has been a guest at the White House multiple times and assisted in launching the administration’s “Trump Accounts” earlier this year.

Dean Cain, known for his role as Superman, has also shown strong support for Trump, endorsing him in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections. Cain attended a Trump administration event in August to promote the president’s “No Tax on Tips” policy.

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The event is part of the Freedom 250 celebrations, commemorating America’s birthday. The $1 million prize is sponsored by Clover Network, Inc, a payments processing platform.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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