Nicki Minaj has long been a fearless presence in the rap and hip-hop world, known for her bold lyrics, high-profile feuds, and unapologetic persona. But recently, she has made headlines not for music, but for her surprising public friendship with former President Donald Trump.
While some fans were baffled, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made sure no one missed his take, delivering a relentless roast of the superstar during his monologue.
The buzz started when Nicki Minaj attended the Trump Accounts Summit in Washington, D.C., on January 27 and personally met Trump. Their public camaraderie, combined with Minaj’s post about receiving the Trump Gold Card, a perk that expedites citizenship, was enough to ignite social media chatter.
Jimmy Kimmel roasts Nicki Minaj
Kimmel wasted no time, zeroing in on what he saw as the unusual and eyebrow-raising friendship between the rapper and the former president.
For many in the hip-hop community, it’s a moment of disbelief. A performer who once dominated charts with Pink Friday and Queen is now entangled in political optics, sparking both amusement and criticism. Kimmel framed it as a story of fame, influence, and privilege colliding in the most unexpected ways.
Kimmel’s commentary highlighted how unusual Minaj’s relationship with Trump truly is. The late-night host focused on the Trump Gold Card, which allows recipients to expedite the citizenship process at a $1 million cost to the U.S. Treasury plus a $15,000 processing fee.
“But [Nicki] didn’t buy one. She said she got it for free,” he said. “[Trump] gave it to her. She gets a gold card. He gets a famous Black friend. It’s what you call the art of the deal. This is just nuts.”
The roast didn’t stop at the card. Kimmel also poked fun at the optics of Nicki Minaj, a superstar who allegedly moved to the U.S. illegally decades ago, enjoying access and favors that most ordinary people would never see. “She is exactly who ICE has been rounding up. But he invites her to the Oval Office. If you’re Nicki Minaj and you pledge allegiance to Orange Julius, it’s different, I guess.”
Kimmel’s signature humor amplified the shock many felt. He jokingly suggested that Minaj’s closeness with Trump could lead to outlandish perks: “He can’t just comp someone because she kisses his big white a**. I mean, he really thinks that he owns the country. Is he going to start handing our stuff out now? 'Nicki, how do you like a monument? What do you want? Washington? No. Lincoln? Take a Lincoln. What about a nuclear weapon? You could use it on Cardi B.”
The hip-hop world watches and reacts
Nicki Minaj’s actions have stirred conversation across hip-hop circles. Some are bewildered by her praise of Trump, while others admire her fearless approach to making controversial choices. Regardless, Kimmel’s roast reflects a broader skepticism about the intersection of celebrity, politics, and influence.
Minaj hasn’t backed down, posting a photo of herself holding the Trump Gold Card with the caption, “Welp…” Her response shows that she’s fully aware of the criticism but is unafraid to defend her decisions. In doing so, she remains a polarizing figure, commanding attention not only for her musical achievements but also for her surprising alliances.
This situation underscores the power of celebrity in political and social spheres. Nicki Minaj’s presence in these discussions shows how rap and hip-hop culture can intersect with politics in unexpected ways, creating moments that are both entertaining and provocative. And as long as she remains outspoken, hosts like Jimmy Kimmel will likely continue to roast her, keeping the conversation alive.
In the end, this story isn’t just about Nicki Minaj or Donald Trump; it’s about how fame, influence, and cultural power collide, often in ways that leave fans, late-night hosts, and the public scratching their heads. For now, the rapper shows no signs of slowing down, and Kimmel’s roasting is far from over.