Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj, who has resided in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for approximately twenty years, recently ignited social media speculation by sharing images of a gold-colored card featuring former President Donald Trump’s likeness. This card has been promoted by Trump’s organization as a premium pathway to U.S. citizenship for individuals making substantial financial contributions—specifically $1 million to the U.S. Treasury plus a $15,000 nonrefundable processing fee. Minaj notably claimed in an online post that she received this item “free of charge.”
However, a White House official, speaking anonymously to The New York Times, clarified that the card was merely a novelty souvenir with no legal value. The official emphasized that Minaj, already a long-term legal resident actively pursuing standard citizenship procedures, had no need for expedited immigration channels. The card, according to the source, holds sentimental value only and “serves little value” in any official capacity.
The controversy emerged following Minaj’s appearance at a White House event promoting children’s investment accounts established under a Trump-endorsed spending initiative. During the event, Trump lavished praise on the artist, hailing her as “the greatest” and “the most successful female rapper in history.” He also acknowledged her financial backing for the program, stating, “Nicki makes a lot of money, and she’s generously stepping up. She’s investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in Trump accounts to support the children.”
Minaj, who made history in 2024 as the first female rapper to achieve Diamond certification for two songs from the Recording Industry Association of America, has increasingly publicly aligned with Trump and the MAGA movement. Trump described her as “a big Trump supporter and a Trump fan” who has endured criticism but remains “an unbelievable supporter.”
Appearing alongside Trump in a distinctive white fur-trimmed coat, Minaj declared herself the president’s “No. 1 fan” and asserted that criticism only strengthens her support. “The hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more,” she told the audience. She further expressed belief that “God is protecting” the president and condemned what she characterized as “bullying” and “smear campaigns.”
While Minaj’s political alignment has drawn scrutiny from fans, LGBTQ advocates, and civil rights organizations, the White House has definitively stated that the discussed gold card is purely symbolic and not a functional immigration document.