Rapper Nicki Minaj publicly announced her status as Donald Trump’s "number one fan" during an event in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, simultaneously showcasing a specialized residency card linked to significant investment in the United States. The artist’s declaration of support follows a notable shift from her earlier criticisms regarding the former president’s stringent immigration policies.
Minaj displayed the 'gold card,' which reportedly offers accelerated residency and a pathway to citizenship for high-net-worth individuals, after being called onto the stage by Trump. She stated that opposition to her political stance only motivates her further to back the former president, according to reports from the event.
This specific residency vehicle, launched in December, requires applicants to invest $1 million and pay a $15,000 processing fee for US residency rights. The program has drawn criticism for offering fast-tracked status to affluent foreign nationals while other immigration enforcement measures remain strict.
Minaj, who relocated to the US from Trinidad and Tobago as a child, previously detailed her complex history with US immigration status on social media. Reports indicate she once described having entered the country illegally as a five-year-old, expressing deep concern over family separation policies.
In a recent social media update, Minaj confirmed she was finalizing her citizenship paperwork, attributing the process to the "wonderful, gracious, charming president." While the card grants her unlimited right of residence, it does not confer immediate US citizenship under the agreement's terms.
This high-profile political alignment contrasts sharply with recent cultural responses to US immigration enforcement. Several prominent musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, have released new protest material addressing recent fatal incidents involving immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Springsteen’s new folk-rock track specifically memorializes individuals recently killed in the city and serves as a direct response to what the singer termed "state terror." This musical pushback underscores the ongoing tension between high-profile political endorsements and public sentiment regarding border and enforcement operations.
Minaj’s decision has reportedly prompted backlash among some segments of her fanbase, highlighting the polarizing effect of political alignment among major cultural figures in the US market.
