Rapper Nicki Minaj grabbed widespread attention this week when she posted a photo of what she called a Trump “Gold Card” a visa-style document tied to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration and residency initiative — on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The image, captioned simply “Welp…”, showed the card in her hand and quickly sparked discussion about her intentions and her status in the United States.
Minaj’s post came shortly after she appeared alongside Trump at a public event in Washington, D.C. promoting his Trump Accounts program — a policy aimed at creating savings accounts for babies born in specific years with initial government funding. At that event, she publicly declared herself “probably the president’s No. 1 fan,” an endorsement that only fueled media and social media reaction.
What Is the Trump “Gold Card”?
The Trump “Gold Card” is a part of a controversial new immigration initiative pitched by Trump, designed to offer a fast-track to lawful residency and eventual U.S. citizenship for those deemed to be able to provide substantial benefit to the country. According to government-linked information, obtaining the card normally involves both a $15,000 processing fee and a $1 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury, with holders becoming eligible for permanent residency under certain categories soon after approval. Minaj’s social media posts suggested she received the card “free of charge,” though details about whether traditional requirements were waived or fulfilled were not fully explained. She also commented that she was “finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President,” indicating she planned to move forward with the legal steps toward full citizenship.
Minaj’s Relationship With the U.S. and Trump
Nicki Minaj was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to the United States as a young child. In the past, she has publicly stated she was not a U.S. citizen despite having lived in the country for decades and paying taxes. Reports from her earlier social media also noted she arrived as a young immigrant, which has led observers to question her current legal status given her long career in the U.S. entertainment industry. Her support for Trump marks a noticeable shift. Years ago, she was critical of some of the former president’s policies, especially those related to immigration enforcement. But recently, she has aligned herself more visibly with Trump’s positions, even appearing at political gatherings and making public remarks that defend his leadership and agenda.
The Citizenship Conversation
Minaj’s posts have stirred speculation about her actual citizenship status. Although she has indicated that she is now working on citizenship paperwork, it’s not clear whether she has formally become a U.S. citizen yet. Legal experts and news outlets emphasize that receiving a visa-style card alone — even one tied to residency programs — does not immediately make someone a citizen. The path from permanent residency to naturalized citizenship usually involves meeting specific legal criteria and waiting periods. Even with the Gold Card, applicants typically must go through additional steps, including background checks and interviews, and fulfill residency requirements before qualifying for full citizenship. Critics of the program say that offering such cards can be controversial, potentially favoring high-profile individuals or those connected to political power.
Public Reaction and Backlash
Reactions to Minaj’s announcement have been mixed. Supporters applaud her for being open about her journey, while critics argue that aligning so visibly with Trump and showcasing an expensive immigration benefit raises questions about fairness and privilege. Some commenters have expressed confusion or disbelief about how the card was awarded, especially if traditional fees and requirements were waived. Overall, the moment highlights how celebrity influence and politics can intersect in unexpected ways. Nicki Minaj’s decision to publicly share her Gold Card and talk about pursuing U.S. citizenship under Trump’s program has drawn widespread attention, sparking debate across social media, news platforms, and public discourse about immigration, celebrity advocacy, and political alignment in the lead-up to a pivotal election year.
