Nicki Minaj has triggered debate after sharing what she described as a “Trump Gold Card” shortly after publicly praising former U.S. President Donald Trump at a White House-linked event.
Just hours after speaking at the Trump Accounts Summit on Wednesday, January 28, the Trinidad-born rapper posted an image of the gold card on X, accompanied by the caption, “Welp.”
The photo appeared to have been taken the same day, showing part of Minaj’s white coat and her signature multicoloured nails, which she had been seen wearing earlier.
The post quickly went viral, attracting more than 5.2 million views and prompting speculation about her immigration status.
Welp… pic.twitter.com/c5v8ztVVLR
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 28, 2026
Minaj later addressed the chatter in a follow-up post, dismissing claims that the card signified residency.
“Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. I wouldn’t have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment. Gold Trump card free of charge,” she wrote.
The White House amplified the moment by reposting Minaj’s original image, adding the caption, “oh she’s super BASED,” alongside a link to the Trump Gold Card website.
According to the official website, the Trump Gold Card is a visa issued to individuals considered capable of providing substantial benefit to the United States.
Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable Sh1.9 million ($15,000) fee and undergo a rigorous vetting process, including an extensive background check by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Approval is granted only after what officials describe as “careful consideration.”
Earlier in the day, Minaj had also drawn attention with her appearance at the Trump Accounts Summit.
Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts designed for U.S. citizens under the age of 18. The White House says the programme will roll out for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, starting with a one-time government seed contribution of $1,000 (Sh129,000).
CNBC reports that Minaj plans to contribute between Sh19.3m and Sh38.6m ($150,000 – $300,000) to the initiative.
During her remarks at the event, she openly declared her support for Trump, describing herself as “probably the president’s No. 1 fan.”
“The hate, or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all,” Minaj said. “It actually motivates me to support him more, and it’s going to motivate all of us to support him more.”
She added that critics would not deter her, saying, “We’re not going to let them get away with bullying him. He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him.”