Nicki Minaj, the Grammy-nominated rapper, recently made headlines with a stunning political declaration. After appearing at a Washington, D.C. Treasury event, she announced that her U.S. citizenship paperwork is being finalized. This development marks a dramatic transformation for the artist, who previously criticized President Trump’s immigration policies. Minaj, once an outspoken critic, now proudly identifies as Trump’s “No. 1 fan,” signaling a significant shift in her public stance.
Minaj’s Bold Announcement in Washington, D.C.
On January 29, 2026, Nicki Minaj stood alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a high-profile event. This gathering formally launched the “Trump accounts,” a new savings program for children. These accounts were established under the “Big Beautiful Bill” legislation. Following her appearance, Minaj took to social media platform X. She shared an image of a “Trump gold card.” Her post proclaimed, “Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President.” The rapper, 43, also included a photo of the Chucky character flipping its middle finger. She thanked an unspecified “petition.” This post sparked widespread discussion and debate.
The “Trump Gold Card” and Potential Implications
The “Trump gold card” mentioned by Minaj carried specific implications. Reports suggest such a card might be associated with a provision. This provision allegedly offers U.S. citizenship to individuals who pay $1 million. Her reference to a “petition” also drew attention. This likely referred to multiple past petitions. These petitions had called for her deportation to Trinidad and Tobago. Minaj, whose birth name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, was born there. She was raised in Queens, N.Y., after arriving in the U.S. at a young age.
A Striking Political Evolution: From Critic to Staunch Supporter
Minaj’s current embrace of President Trump represents a remarkable political journey. Her previous public statements contrasted sharply with her recent endorsements. In 2018, she openly condemned the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. This policy led to the separation of migrant children from their parents at the southern border.
Recalling Past Condemnations
That year, Minaj shared a powerful image on Facebook. It depicted children on padded floor mats. They were covered with silver Mylar thermal blankets. Chain-link fencing surrounded them. She wrote, “I came to this country as an illegal immigrant @ 5 years old.” She further expressed her horror. “I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5. This is so scary to me. Please stop this. Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now?” Her words highlighted a deep empathy for immigrant families. This sentiment seemed to align with her own experiences.
Even in 2020, her views on Trump remained complex. In a Rolling Stone interview, she acknowledged finding Trump “funny as hell” on “Celebrity Apprentice.” However, she reiterated her strong objections to child separations. “I was one of those immigrant children coming to America to flee poverty,” Minaj explained. “And I couldn’t imagine a little child going through all of that… and then being taken away from the one person that makes you feel comfort.” At that time, she clearly stated she would not “jump on the Donald Trump bandwagon.”
Embracing the “No. 1 Fan” Label
Fast forward to 2026, and Nicki Minaj has unequivocally shifted her allegiance. At the recent Treasury event, she declared herself Trump’s “No. 1 fan.” She affirmed that her support would not waver. “The hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all,” Minaj stated. “It actually motivates me to support him more.” She passionately defended Trump, asserting that “bullying him and the smear campaigns” would fail. “He has a lot of force behind him, and God is protecting him,” she added. This passionate defense underscores the depth of her changed political alignment.
President Trump’s Warm Welcome
President Trump reciprocated the praise. He introduced Minaj as “the greatest and most successful female rapper in history.” He also acknowledged the potential backlash she might face. “She took a little heat on occasion,” Trump noted, “because her community isn’t necessarily a Trump fan.” He also highlighted her generosity. Trump mentioned that Minaj was among several prominent figures, including Dell Computers CEO Michael S. Dell, donating “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to the new “Trump accounts.” Trump even jokingly complimented Minaj’s “long, painted, pointy pink manicure.”
Understanding the New “Trump Accounts”
The event at which Minaj appeared centered on the launch of “Trump accounts.” These are new IRA-style savings accounts designed for children. They are available to U.S. citizens younger than 18. These accounts are a component of the “Big Beautiful Bill.” This legislation, signed into law last summer, includes tax breaks and spending cuts.
Key Features and Eligibility
For children born during the second Trump administration (calendar years 2025 through 2028), these accounts offer a unique benefit. The U.S. Treasury will seed them with an initial $1,000. This occurs when a parent submits a form to the IRS to open the account. Parents can also make additional pre-tax contributions. These can be up to $5,000 annually, though they are not required. A parent acts as the account custodian until the child turns 18. Withdrawals, intended for education, housing, or business, will be taxed as ordinary income. Notably, Minaj’s own son, born in 2020, does not qualify for the initial $1,000 seeding.
Broader Conservative Engagements and Controversies
Minaj’s support for Trump extends beyond this singular event. Her increasing alignment with conservative figures and causes has been evident for months. In December 2025, she made another notable appearance. She joined conservative activist Erika Kirk onstage. This was at the Turning Point USA Phoenix conference. Erika Kirk is the widow of Charlie Kirk, who was tragically slain in September. The city of Westminster in Orange County even voted to partially rename a street and designate an official day in Charlie Kirk’s memory, though he had no direct ties to the community, highlighting the politicized nature of such tributes.
Praising Trump and Mocking Newsom
At the Phoenix conference, Minaj, a Christian, lauded Trump. She praised him for defending persecuted Christians globally, including in Nigeria. She expressed “utmost respect and admiration for our president.” Minaj said Trump had “given so many people hope that there is a chance to beat the bad guys.” During her speech, she also made statements like, “nothing wrong with being a boy.” She continued, “How powerful is that? How profound is that? Boys will be boys, and there is nothing wrong with that.”
Minaj also used the platform to mock California Governor Gavin Newsom. She referred to him as “Newscum” and “Gavie-poo.” She specifically criticized his advocacy for “trans kids.” This aligns with Newsom’s highly public profile. He has been known to aggressively critique President Trump, even on international stages like the World Economic Forum in Davos. His rhetoric has sometimes been deemed “a tad arrogant” by critics.
The “Mean vs. Bitch” Persona
Minaj’s outspokenness is not entirely new. In a 2023 Vogue interview, she discussed her public persona. She differentiated between being “mean” and being a “bitch.” “Bitch comes and goes. Mean is who you are,” she explained. She suggested that even at her “bitch-ness” peak, she would help someone in need. This perspective offers insight into her willingness to be harsh while maintaining a sense of self-integrity.
The Cultural and Political Impact of Minaj’s Transformation
Nicki Minaj’s public pivot to staunch Trump support and the pursuit of her Nicki Minaj citizenship carry significant weight. As one of the most successful female rappers in history, her influence spans millions globally. Her decision could resonate deeply within her diverse fanbase. It may also inspire further debate about celebrity political endorsements. This transformation challenges perceptions. It highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of political allegiances, especially in the public eye. Minaj’s journey from an immigrant child condemning border policies to a vocal supporter of a president associated with restrictive immigration stances is a narrative for the times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “Trump Accounts” and who is eligible for them?
“Trump Accounts” are a new type of IRA-style savings program. They are designed for U.S. citizens who are younger than 18 on December 31 of the year an account is opened. These accounts were created as part of the “Big Beautiful Bill” legislation. Children born during the second Trump administration (2025-2028) receive an initial $1,000 seed money from the U.S. Treasury. Parents can contribute up to $5,000 annually pre-tax. Withdrawals for specific purposes like education or housing are taxed as ordinary income. Nicki Minaj’s son, born in 2020, does not qualify for the initial $1,000 seeding.
How did Nicki Minaj’s political stance evolve over time regarding President Trump?
Nicki Minaj’s political stance has seen a dramatic evolution. In 2018, she strongly condemned the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. She shared personal empathy as an “illegal immigrant” herself at age five. Even in 2020, while acknowledging Trump’s entertainment value, she maintained her opposition to child separations and stated she wouldn’t “jump on the Donald Trump bandwagon.” By January 2026, however, she declared herself Trump’s “No. 1 fan” and appeared at a Treasury event endorsing his initiatives. She now publicly defends him, dismisses critics, and expresses strong admiration for his leadership.
What is the significance of the “Trump gold card” mentioned by Nicki Minaj?
The “Trump gold card” mentioned by Nicki Minaj on social media, displayed alongside her announcement of finalizing her citizenship paperwork, has sparked considerable speculation. While not explicitly detailed, reports suggest that such a “gold card” might be linked to a provision. This provision could potentially grant U.S. citizenship to individuals who make a $1 million payment. This detail, combined with her reference to an unspecified “petition,” adds an intriguing layer to her public declaration, connecting her citizenship status to both political endorsement and a potential financial pathway.
Conclusion
Nicki Minaj’s recent announcement regarding her citizenship and her fervent support for President Trump represent a compelling political and cultural moment. Her journey from an immigrant child critical of immigration policies to a staunch conservative ally highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of celebrity influence. This shift, cemented by her public appearances and social media declarations, is poised to keep both her fanbase and political observers engaged in ongoing conversations about identity, allegiance, and the power of public figures in the American political landscape.
