American rapper and songwriter Nicki Minaj has revealed she has received US President Donald Trump’s $1 million “gold card”, a controversial programme offering wealthy foreigners US residency and a pathway to citizenship.
Minaj, whose real name is Onika Marag-Petty, shared an image of the card on X (formerly Twitter) after attending an event promoting Trump-backed investment accounts for newborn babies.
The gold-coloured card, which features President Trump’s face, was posted with a brief caption: “Welp.”
In a follow-up post, the rapper appeared to confirm her intention to proceed with US citizenship paperwork, writing:
“Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President.”
She later added: “Gold Trump card free of charge.”
Minaj made headlines during the January 28 event, where she openly praised Trump, describing herself as “probably the president’s No. 1 fan” and dismissing criticism directed at her political stance.
The rapper has previously spoken about her immigration journey. In a 2018 Facebook post, Minaj said she entered the United States at the age of five without legal documentation. However, in a now-deleted comment responding to reactions about the gold card, she clarified that she has held US residency for decades.
“Residency? This isn’t for residency. I’ve had that for decades,” she wrote.
According to Billboard, Minaj was born in Trinidad and Tobago before relocating to the United States as a child.
The Trump gold card programme, according to a government webpage, requires a $150,000 Department of Homeland Security processing fee alongside a $1 million “gift” to the US government.
USA TODAY reports that it has contacted Minaj’s representatives to confirm whether the card was gifted and to clarify her current citizenship status.
