Nicki Minaj publicly aligned herself with President Donald Trump this week, showcasing a newly issued Trump “gold card” visa during an appearance in Washington, as national tensions over immigration enforcement and protests involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement continued to escalate.
The Trinidad and Tobago-born rapper, who moved to the United States as a child, appeared on stage with Trump while promoting the administration’s “Trump Accounts,” a program establishing investment funds for children.
She later shared images of the gold card on social media, describing it as part of an ongoing process toward citizenship, even as official government guidance states the card grants legal residency rather than citizenship.
The moment unfolded against a backdrop of protests following fatal ICE-involved shootings of U.S. citizens, which have intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement.
Launched in December, the Trump gold card is designed to fast-track residency for wealthy applicants in exchange for a $1 million payment and a $15,000 processing fee.
Minaj said she received the card free of charge, a claim that drew widespread attention and criticism given the administration’s simultaneous crackdown on undocumented immigration.
Previously outspoken against family-separation policies, Minaj had written in 2018 about arriving in the country as an undocumented child and the fear faced by separated families.
On Wednesday, she described herself as unwavering in her support, saying, “I will say that I am probably the president's number one fan, and that's not going to change,”
Trump praised her financial support for Trump Accounts and acknowledged backlash she has faced from fans.
Minaj’s endorsement has triggered significant online criticism, while other musicians have intensified their opposition to ICE and the administration.
Bruce Springsteen released a protest song referencing recent killings in Minneapolis, dedicating it to victims and immigrant communities.
Ice-T has altered lyrics during live performances to protest ICE, warning of worsening tensions.
Artists including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Ariana Grande have also spoken out, condemning ICE raids and calling for the agency’s abolition.
Together, the reactions highlight a widening cultural divide as immigration policy, celebrity influence, and public protest increasingly intersect.