Featured Image Credit: X/@nickiminaj
Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, Music, Politics, Social Media, US News, Money
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, Music, Politics, Social Media, US News, Money
Nicki Minaj has just been given a 'Gold Card' by United States President Donald Trump and it's sparked quite a heated discussion online as people want to know what it's for.
The 43-year-old Trinidadian rapper, famous for hits like 'Anaconda', 'Super Bass' and 'Starships', was awarded a Trump Gold Card at the Trump Accounts Summit on Wednesday (28 January).
Minaj, who has notably become increasingly supportive of the Trump administration in recent times, and even made a surprise guest appearance during a Q&A of Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Arizona last month (21 December), took to X to share a snap of the card along with a caption reading 'Welp'.
The official White House account subsequently retweeted the post, writing: "Oh she's super BASED."
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The post has since gone viral, amassing over 9.5 million views at the time of writing, with many rushing to social media to share their reactions to the news.
One Instagram user penned: "Ooooof… yikes."
"What a joke," slammed a second, as a third chimed in: "Girl, WUT."
And a final critic theorised: "This is rage bait at its finest bro."
Following the announcement going viral, Minaj issued a follow-up post to offer some clarification on her Gold Card status, namely stating she got it 'free of charge'.
She wrote: "Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. Finalising 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."
The official Trump Card website explains that the Gold Card is a 'visa based upon an individual’s ability to provide a substantial benefit to the United States'.
"To apply, an applicant must pay a nonrefundable, $15,000 DHS processing fee. Once an applicant’s processing fee is received, the process for petition approval and visa adjudication will take place on an expedited basis, assuming applicants submit any additional documents or fees in a timely manner," the website continued.
The Trump Platinum Card, which the website advertises as 'coming soon', explains: "Foreign nationals can sign up now and secure their places on the waiting list for the Trump Platinum Card. When launched, and upon receipt of a $15,000 DHS processing fee and $5 million contribution, they will have the ability to spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income."
Applications will go through 'careful consideration', an 'in-depth background check' and vetting process by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services before they can get approved.
"A $1 million gift upon completion of the individual’s vetting is evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States," the website added. "An individual may also need to pay small, additional fees to the U.S. Department of State depending on his or her circumstances."
If approved, the applicant will receive lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder, per the website.
Tyla has reached out to Nicki Minaj's representatives for comment.