Published: January 29, 2026 ✍️ Author: Global World Citizen Editorial Team 🌐 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
Rapper and global pop icon Nicki Minaj has ignited fresh debate around wealth-based citizenship after posting an image of President Donald Trump’s “Gold Card,” a premium immigration pathway that fast-tracks U.S. residency through a $1 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury.
Minaj shared the image on social media with the caption “Welp…”, signaling that she may have obtained—or is in the process of obtaining—the elite card, which also requires a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee.
The post surfaced shortly after Minaj appeared alongside President Trump to promote “Trump Accounts,” a newly launched initiative offering tax-advantaged investment accounts for U.S. citizens under 18.
Wealth, Citizenship And Global Mobility
Nicki Minaj, who moved to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago as a child, is currently a lawful permanent resident. In a 2024 interview, she stated she was not yet a U.S. citizen, despite having paid millions of dollars in U.S. taxes over the course of her career.
Her public association with Trump’s Gold Card program places her at the center of a growing global conversation:
Can wealth buy access, mobility, and national belonging in the 21st century?
At the Trump Accounts summit, Minaj referred to herself as “probably the president’s number one fan,” while Trump claimed she was investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the initiative.
How the Trump “Gold Card” Works 
The Trump Gold Card is positioned as a high-net-worth alternative to traditional immigration pathways.
Requirements include:
• A $1 million non-refundable contribution to the U.S. Treasury
• A $15,000 processing fee
• A full background check by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• A visa interview and submission of additional documentation
Once approved, cardholders receive lawful permanent resident status under EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories.
A higher-tier Trump “Platinum Card” is also planned, requiring a $5 million contribution, allowing holders to spend up to 270 days per year in the U.S. without being taxed on non-U.S. income.
Backlash And Cultural Tensions
Minaj’s recent alignment with Trump has triggered backlash from segments of her fanbase, particularly given her past criticism of Trump’s immigration policies and her long-standing reputation as an LGBTQ+ ally.
In December, Minaj faced criticism after speaking at a Turning Point USA event, where comments about gender roles were interpreted by some as anti-trans. Responding to the criticism this week, Minaj stated that “hate does not affect me at all.”
Her political evolution underscores a broader trend: global celebrities increasingly leveraging wealth and influence to navigate power structures once reserved for states and institutions.
The Bigger Picture 
The Trump Gold Card represents a growing global phenomenon:
citizenship-by-investment, where financial capital increasingly substitutes for nationality, borders, and traditional migration pathways.
From Caribbean passports to European golden visas and now U.S. premium residency, the intersection of money, mobility, and identity is reshaping how nations define belonging.
At GlobalWorldCitizen.com, we track how these shifts impact global equality, economic power, and the future of citizenship.