Nicki Minaj has once again made headlines, but this time it’s not about a new album or a chart-topping single. The rap superstar revealed that she received a so-called Trump “gold card,” a special visa that offers applicants residency and a path to U.S. citizenship.
The announcement has sparked widespread attention, combining Minaj’s celebrity status with her unusual political endorsements. For fans of hip-hop and rap, this move shows a different side of an artist usually defined by bold lyrics and chart dominance.
The rapper shared her new status on social media, posting a photo of herself holding the card with the caption, “Welp…”
In follow-up posts, Minaj explained the significance of her newfound document: “Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President.” She added, “Gold Trump card free of charge,” highlighting the surprising ease of the process in her case.
Nicki Minaj also described her personal admiration for the former president, calling herself “probably the president’s No. 1 fan” at a recent event. The statement came during a summit promoting government-supported investment accounts for babies, where she emphasized that criticism from others does not affect her. “The hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all,” she said, making clear her confidence in both her choices and her career direction.
Nicki Minaj sidesteps deportation after securing Trump's Gold Card.’
The Trump gold card, which Minaj highlighted, is a special visa requiring a $150,000 “DHS processing fee” and a $1 million gift, according to government documentation. The card has been described as a route to legal residency and eventual U.S. citizenship, a path that is highly unusual for a celebrity of Minaj’s stature.
This latest news also reignites public interest in Minaj’s own immigration story. In 2018, she admitted that she arrived in the U.S. as an “illegal immigrant” at age five. That admission has taken on new weight in light of her support for policies and figures who have advocated for strict immigration enforcement.
The juxtaposition of her past and present actions has become a talking point across social media platforms and hip-hop news outlets.
Minaj’s political shift and hip-hop influence
The rapper’s engagement with MAGA-aligned events marks a noticeable pivot from her earlier public persona. She has previously been seen in political discussions within hip-hop culture, but her open support for Donald Trump is a more recent development.
In December, Minaj appeared at Turning Point USA’s America Fest, speaking alongside Erika Kirk, widow of the late commentator Charlie Kirk. In that conversation, she remarked, “You have amazing role models like the assassin JD Vance, our vice president,” a statement that drew attention for its awkward phrasing and political overtones.
Despite the controversies, Minaj continues to command respect in the rap world. Fans note that her willingness to speak her mind, whether in music or politics, has always been a defining characteristic.
From Queen to Pink Friday, her music resonates with millions, and her voice carries weight both on stage and in unexpected public forums. Her new Trump gold card adds yet another layer to her public persona, showing that in the intersection of celebrity and politics, Minaj is unafraid to break the mold.
Hip-hop fans and industry insiders are weighing in on Minaj’s announcement. While some express surprise at her political alignment, others focus on her continued influence as a cultural icon. In the world of rap, where personal branding and social relevance are key, Minaj’s latest move is a reminder that her career has always been defined by audacity and unexpected choices.
For followers of both Minaj and hip-hop culture, this moment illustrates how celebrity influence extends beyond music charts. By openly discussing her citizenship process and political admiration, Minaj reinforces her reputation as a bold, unapologetic figure in rap, who navigates fame, politics, and personal history with equal intensity.