What is the 'Trump Gold Card'? Will Nicki Minaj become a US citizen now?

In one of the most controversial drifts of the year, Nicki Minaj, former Trump nemesis, has made the turn of the century coining herself as the Republican President's 'No. 1 fan'. And it seems she is reaping the benefits already, as she shared a photo of herself holding the infamous 'Trump Gold Card'.While the Trinidadian rapper made a now-viral TikTok with the 79-year-old President she also took to X to share a capture of the Trump Gold Card in her hand with the caption: 'Welp...' There is always a richer way to do things and the Trump Gold Card proves it. It was issued by US President Donald Trump as a way towards American citizenship for the rich, and a fast-track residency in the US for those on a work visa. In a White House statement issued on September 19, 2025, the initiative was described as one prioritising the "admission of aliens who will affirmatively benefit the Nation, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen and women."The visa program is overseen by the Secretary of Commerce and will facilitate the entry of "aliens" who have demonstrated the "ability and desire" to advance the interests of US by providing a significant "financial gift."To be eligible for the card, an individual has to gift $1 million on his or her behalf and a corporation or similar entity have to donate $2 million on their behalf. This makes the individual eligible for an EB-1 or EB-2 Green Card through an expedited process. However, they are also required to pay a $15,000 processing fee to the DHS.The Secretary of Commerce is expected to use the fund to promote commerce and American industry. Additionally, within 90 days of the date of the order, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Homeland Security must take all the necessary and appropriate steps to implement the Gold Card program. The program went into effect on December 18, 2025.The initiative also includes a Platinum card yet to be launched. When in implementation, it will also require a $15,000 DHS processing fee along with a $5 million contribution. It will allow the recipient to spend up to 270 days in the US without having to pay US tax on non-US income.