Nicki Minaj Just Got a Trump Gold Card — Here's What It Is and How Much It's Worth

On 26 January, Nicki Minaj shared an image of President Donald Trump's 'Gold Card', drawing attention to questions about her immigration status. The rapper had appeared alongside Trump earlier that day to promote his 'Trump Accounts' initiative, before posting the photograph captioned 'Welp...'. The image suggested she had obtained the Trump Gold Card, a proposed visa tied to a significant financial contribution.

She followed this up with a post clarifying her residency and citizenship status, saying, 'Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President.' To those wondering if she had to shell out money for her citizenship status, she further continued: 'Gold Trump card free of charge'. But what exactly is the Trump Gold Card, and what does it do for you? How much is it worth?

What Is The Trump Gold Card

According to trumpcard.gov, the Trump Gold Card is a visa 'based upon an individual's ability to provide a substantial benefit to the United States'. It is designed as an 'investor-based pathway' offering a faster route to residency and eventual citizenship. It requires applicants to make a minimum contribution of £740,000 (approximately $1,000,000) to the US Treasury.

In addition to the contribution, applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of £11,100 (approximately $15,000) to the Department of Homeland Security. The website also notes that small additional fees to the US Department of State may apply, depending on individual circumstances. These payments are required before residency can be granted.

Eligibility And Application Requirements

The Trump Gold Card is not open to all applicants. Individuals must already qualify under an existing immigrant visa category, such as EB-1A for extraordinary ability or EB-2 NIW for a National Interest Waiver. Without meeting these criteria, no Gold Card application can be submitted.

Applicants are required to undergo a background check conducted by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. They must also attend a visa interview and provide any supporting documents requested by the government. Once approved, cardholders receive lawful permanent resident status under EB-1 or EB-2 classifications.

Cost And Additional Options

The £740,000 (approximately $1,000,000) contribution is described on the website as a gift to the US Treasury. This payment is separate from processing and administrative fees, which are not refundable. The programme presents itself as a faster alternative to traditional immigration routes for high-net-worth applicants.

The website also outlines plans for a future Trump 'Platinum Card'. This option would require a £3.7 million contribution (approximately $5,000,000) and would allow holders to spend up to 270 days in the US without being taxed on non-US income. Details on the timeline for this card have not yet been confirmed.

Minaj's Public Alignment With Trump

Minaj referred to herself as 'probably the president's number one fan' during a recent summit promoting Trump Accounts. The programme aims to provide tax-advantaged investment accounts for US citizens under the age of 18, according to its website. Trump stated that Minaj was investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the initiative.

Her appearance at the event and subsequent remarks have drawn backlash from large parts of her fanbase. Addressing criticism on Wednesday, Minaj said that 'the hate, or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all'. The response signalled that she was not concerned by negative reactions to her political alignment.

Context And Past Criticism

Minaj has previously been vocal about immigration issues. In 2018, she criticised the separation of families at the US-Mexico border, calling the situation 'so scary' while referencing her own experience of living in the country illegally as a child.

For much of her career, she was considered an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Following her appearance at a Turning Point USA event in December, some fans have expressed frustration. During that appearance, she spoke about her Christian faith and made comments that critics described as anti-trans.