EXCLUSIVE: Trump Launches $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa, Touts It as Deficit Solution
In a move that blends his trademark showmanship with immigration policy, President Donald Trump unveiled the first-ever $5 million “Gold Card” visa on Thursday, a premium residency permit that could grant wealthy foreigners a fast track to U.S. citizenship.
Holding up a gleaming prototype bearing his likeness and the bold inscription “The Trump Card,” the president teased its imminent rollout. “Probably available in less than two weeks—and I’m the first buyer,” Trump told reporters with a grin. “Pretty exciting, huh?”
Key Details of the Gold Card Visa
- Price Tag: $5 million per card
- Target Buyers: High-net-worth individuals, potentially including Russian oligarchs (Trump hasn’t ruled out eligibility)
- Purpose: Fund deficit reduction while attracting “job creators”
- Contrast: A luxury version of the standard green card, amid Trump’s aggressive deportation policies
Political and Economic Implications
The announcement arrives as Trump’s administration prioritizes mass deportations of undocumented migrants—a stark contrast to the Gold Card’s invitation to the global elite. Critics argue the plan commodifies citizenship, while supporters hail it as a pragmatic revenue stream.
Trump’s Sales Pitch:
- Deficit Hawk Claim: The president has floated selling “maybe a million” cards, which could theoretically generate $5 trillion—though experts question the feasibility.
- Oligarch Loophole: Despite tensions with Russia, Trump suggested wealthy Russians might qualify, reigniting debates about his ties to Moscow.
Reactions and Unanswered Questions
- Ethics Concerns: Watchdogs warn the card could become a “pay-to-play” scheme for influence.
- Implementation Timeline: No clarity yet on vetting processes or legal safeguards.
- Design Choices: The Trump-branded prototype has raised eyebrows about the blurring of government and personal branding.
What’s Next?
The administration faces scrutiny over how the program aligns with immigration restrictions targeting lower-income migrants. Meanwhile, the Gold Card’s unveiling—complete with a reality-TV-style reveal—underscores Trump’s flair for merging policy and spectacle.
