Trump Launches $5 Million “Gold Card” Visa to Attract Wealthy Investors

In a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump has introduced a new $5 million “Gold Card” residency visa aimed at affluent foreign investors and entrepreneurs seeking a pathway to American citizenship.

Unveiling the high-profile initiative during a press briefing at the White House, Trump showcased a sleek prototype of the card, emblazoned with his own image and labeled “The Trump Card.” The former real estate mogul declared himself the program’s inaugural customer.

“I’m the first buyer,” Trump told reporters with a grin. “Pretty exciting, huh?”

Billed as a premium alternative to the traditional green card, the new visa targets ultra-wealthy individuals willing to pay a steep price for U.S. residency. The program, according to Trump, is expected to be available “in less than two weeks” and could generate billions in revenue — money he said could help chip away at the U.S. national deficit.

While Trump has prioritized mass deportations and strict immigration enforcement in his second term, he underscored that his administration is also open to welcoming those who can contribute economically.

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“We’re cracking down on illegal immigration,” Trump said, “but we’re also opening doors for people who want to invest in America the right way.”

In February, Trump hinted that his administration could aim to sell “maybe a million” of the gold cards, potentially reaping trillions in long-term investment. The announcement has already sparked global interest, especially from high-net-worth individuals in emerging markets.

When asked whether controversial figures such as Russian oligarchs could qualify for the visa, Trump did not dismiss the possibility, saying, “If they’ve got the money and they’re clean, we’ll look at it.”

Critics have raised concerns about the ethics and implications of monetizing residency, warning it could deepen inequality in the immigration system and invite scrutiny over who benefits most. Still, the administration is pushing forward with what it calls “the most exclusive visa in American history.”

The launch comes as immigration and border control remain central issues in the national conversation. Trump’s Gold Card initiative signals a pivot toward a more transactional immigration model — one where financial capital becomes the new ticket to the American Dream.