Nicki Minaj Receives Trump 'Gold Card' for Legal U.S. Residency

Rapper says she got the fast-track residency program 'free of charge' despite its $1 million price tag.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:39pm

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Nicki Minaj, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, has revealed that she has been granted a Trump 'Gold Card' that provides a fast-track for wealthy immigrants to gain legal U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship. Minaj, who has been a vocal supporter of former President Trump, said she received the card 'free of charge' despite its typical $1 million price tag plus a $15,000 screening fee.

Why it matters

Minaj's acquisition of the Trump Gold Card highlights the controversial 'golden visa' program that has faced criticism for essentially allowing the wealthy to buy their way into U.S. residency. The program has raised concerns about fairness and equity in the immigration system.

The details

According to Minaj, the Trump Gold Card program typically costs $1 million plus a $15,000 screening fee, but she was able to obtain hers 'free of charge.' The rapper, who has lived in the U.S. for many years after arriving from Trinidad and Tobago as a child, revealed that she is 'finalizing that citizenship paperwork' and referred to herself as 'CitizenNIKA' on social media.

  • Minaj revealed she was not a U.S. citizen during a TikTok streaming session in 2024.
  • Minaj began publicly supporting former President Trump within the past few months.

The players

Nicki Minaj

A Grammy-nominated rapper who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and has lived in the U.S. for many years, but was not previously a U.S. citizen.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who launched the Trump Gold Card program, which provides a fast-track for wealthy immigrants to gain legal U.S. residency.

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What they’re saying

“Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per my wonderful, gracious, charming president … I wouldn't have done it without you.”

— Nicki Minaj

“I will say that I am probably the president's No. 1 fan, and that's not going to change. The hate — or what people have to say — it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more.”

— Nicki Minaj

What’s next

Minaj's acquisition of the Trump Gold Card is likely to face scrutiny and further questions about the fairness and equity of the program.

The takeaway

Nicki Minaj's embrace of the Trump Gold Card program highlights the controversy surrounding 'golden visa' initiatives that allow the wealthy to essentially buy their way into U.S. residency, raising concerns about fairness and equity in the immigration system.