Hip Hop/ Rap
Nicki Minaj Sparks Controversy With Trump ‘Gold Card’ Post
Nicki Minaj has once again set social media ablaze after posting a photo of President Donald Trump’s highly controversial “Gold Card,” a move that suggests the rapper may be pursuing fast-tracked U.S. citizenship through the administration’s new immigration initiative.
The image, shared with the cryptic caption “Welp…,” shows a gleaming gold card bearing Trump’s likeness and signature. The post came just hours after Minaj appeared alongside the president at an event promoting “Trump Accounts,” a government-backed program aimed at creating tax-advantaged investment accounts for American children.
Nicki Minaj Declares Herself Donald Trump’s “No. 1 Fan” at Washington Summit
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is part of a recently launched immigration program that allows wealthy applicants to receive expedited lawful permanent residency in exchange for a $1 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury, along with a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee. Applicants must also undergo background checks, visa interviews, and additional federal review.
According to program details, successful applicants are granted residency under existing EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories. A more exclusive “Trump Platinum Card,” requiring a $5 million contribution, is expected to follow, offering extended stays in the U.S. with favorable tax conditions on foreign income.
Welp… pic.twitter.com/c5v8ztVVLR
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 28, 2026
Minaj’s Citizenship Status and Public Support for Trump
Nicki Minaj, who moved to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago as a child, is currently a legal permanent resident. She has previously stated that she is not a U.S. citizen despite paying millions of dollars in taxes over her career.
At the Trump Accounts summit, Minaj openly embraced the president, calling herself “probably the president’s number one fan.” Trump, in turn, claimed the rapper was investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Trump Accounts initiative, further cementing her visible alignment with the administration.
Backlash From Fans and Critics
The rapper’s political pivot has drawn sharp criticism from portions of her fanbase, many of whom recall her past opposition to Trump’s immigration policies during his first term. In 2018, Minaj publicly condemned family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border and shared her own fears from growing up undocumented.
More recently, her appearance at a conservative youth conference and comments on gender issues fueled additional backlash, with critics accusing her of abandoning causes she once supported. Minaj has brushed off the criticism, stating that the “hate” does not affect her.
Celebrity, Politics, and Influence Collide
Nicki Minaj’s Gold Card post underscores the growing intersection of celebrity influence and political power. While it remains unclear whether she has officially purchased the card or is merely signaling support for the program, the optics alone have intensified debate around wealth-based immigration pathways.
As discussions swirl online, one thing is clear: Nicki Minaj’s public embrace of Trump—and her apparent flirtation with fast-tracked citizenship—has become one of the most polarizing pop culture moments of the year.
