LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- American rapper Nicki Minaj set social media buzzing after revealing she received a Trump-branded “gold card,” reigniting conversations about immigration, politics and the global rap star’s evolving public persona.
Once again on top of headlines, Nicki Minaj unveiled what she described as a Trump “gold card,” a high-priced visa tied to U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship in the “free” country. The rapper shared images of the card, emblazoned with former President Donald Trump’s face, via her X page, simply captioning the post, “Welp.”
She followed up with a celebratory tone, writing, “Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President,” and later added, “Gold Trump card free of charge.”
The reveal came shortly after Minaj appeared at a Jan. 28 event promoting government-supported investment accounts for children, where Trump publicly praised her. At the event, Minaj proudly announced her political loyalty, calling herself “probably the president’s No. 1 fan” and brushing off criticism by saying, “The hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all.”
Clarifying her immigration status, the “Chun Li” rapper appeared to push back against confusion surrounding the card. While she previously wrote in a 2018 Facebook post, “I came to this country as an illegal immigrant @ 5 years old,” she later stated in a since-deleted comment responding to the gold card thread, “Residency? This isn’t for Residency. I’ve had that for decades.”
Minaj was born in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and moved to the United States at age five. She was raised in Queens, New York, a formative experience she has long credited with shaping both her worldview and her rap style. Her immigrant background has remained a core part of her identity, making citizenship conversations especially significant to her personal story.
Contextually, the Trump gold card is a visa program that comes with a huge price tag and commitment. Reportedly, it requires a $150,000 Department of Homeland Security processing fee along with a $1 million financial gift, according to the program’s government page.
Meanwhile, Minaj’s political alignment has become increasingly visible in recent months. She drew attention at Turning Point USA’s America Fest in December, where she spoke alongside Erika Kirk, the widow of a far-right commentator who was assassinated in an Utah campus shooting.
In November, Minaj also publicly praised Trump following his remarks about possible military action related to violence against Christians in Nigeria, later joining then-U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz to discuss the issue.
Whether praised or criticized, her influence as one of the most impactful figures in global rap and pop culture remains undeniable.
