In brief
Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj has declared herself Donald Trump's 'number one fan' during an event in Washington D.C., where she revealed her 'gold card' visa, intended for wealthy immigrants seeking US residency. This marks a shift from her previous criticisms of Trump's immigration policies. Minaj's support comes amid ongoing national protests regarding immigration enforcement issues, stirring a mix of reactions about celebrity involvement in political discourse.
Trinidadian-American rapper Nicki Minaj declared herself to be Donald Trump's number one fan on Wednesday, while also showing off her Trump gold card visa, which offers applicants residency and a path to US citizenship.
The US President called the star up on stage in Washington DC after she announced her support for the so-called Trump Accounts, which provide trust funds for children.
Previously a critic of Trump's hardline immigration policies, Minaj - who has said she came to the US with her parents as a child - has praised his leadership in recent years.
It comes at a time of protests after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved in the fatal shootings of US citizens.
I will say that I am probably the president's number one fan, and that's not going to change, said Minaj, who was seen holding hands with Trump on the podium.
And the hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more. She also displayed her new card, emblazoned with Trump's face, stating in a social media post that she was finalizing her citizenship paperwork.
The Trump gold card, which was launched in December, allows wealthy immigrants like Minaj to fast-track their US residency in return for a million-dollar investment.
The scheme has received criticism for arriving at a time when the president is clamping down on illegal immigrants. Minaj's enthusiastic support of Trump adds complexity to the narrative surrounding celebrity engagement with political movements, particularly in the context of immigration reform.
While Minaj embraces her alignment with Trump, others in the music industry have actively criticized the administration, highlighting the divide among artists regarding political engagement.
