WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a post that has set social media ablaze, rap superstar Nicki Minaj has revealed she is now a holder of the prestigious “Trump Gold Card.” The announcement came just hours after she stood hand-in-hand with President Donald Trump at the “Trump Accounts Summit” on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The move marks a historic turning point for the Trinidadian-born artist, who has spent years navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
What is the Trump Gold Card?
Introduced by the Trump administration in 2025 as a high-tier replacement for the old EB-5 investor visa, the Trump Gold Card is an expedited pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship.
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The Cost: According to the program’s official guidelines, the Gold Card requires a $1 million contribution to the U.S. government plus a $15,000 processing fee.
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The Benefit: It grants the holder immediate legal residency and puts them on a “fast-track” to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
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The Reveal: Minaj posted a high-resolution photo of the physical card—which features the President’s signature and likeness—on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “Welp…”
From “Illegal Immigrant” to Gold Card Holder
The significance of this card cannot be overstated for Minaj. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, she moved to Queens, New York, at age five. In recent years, Minaj has been vocal about her past, even admitting on social media that she originally entered the country without legal documentation as a child.
By securing the Gold Card, Minaj has effectively used the administration’s new “investor-patriot” model to finalize her legal status, bypassing the traditional years-long backlog that many immigrants face.
The “Trump Accounts” Pledge
While the Gold Card was the personal highlight, Minaj also made a major philanthropic commitment during the summit. President Trump announced that Minaj is pledging between $150,000 and $300,000 to fund “Trump Accounts” for her fans.
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Supporting the Barbz: These accounts are government-seeded investment funds for children born between 2025 and 2028.
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Minaj’s Vision: “I want to see my Barbz bring healthy and successful children into the world,” Minaj told reporters. “Early financial literacy will give them a head start in life.”
Political Firestorm
The imagery of the “Queen of Rap” holding a gold-plated card with Trump’s face has polarized her fanbase. While many “Barbz” celebrated her securing her citizenship, critics have accused her of “buying” her way into the country’s good graces while millions of other immigrants face stricter enforcement.
Defending her stance, Minaj told the crowd at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium: “The hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more.”
TDPel Media Newsroom Reporting on the intersection of celebrity, policy, and power.
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