Trump Launches 'Gold Card' Website With $5 Million Citizenship Path

US President Donald Trump has officially launched a new website—trumpcard.gov—allowing immigrants to register their interest in obtaining the much-anticipated “Gold Card,” a residency permit that promises a route to US citizenship for those willing to pay $5 million. The launch marks a bold new direction in the Trump administration’s immigration policy, one that starkly contrasts with its strict deportation stance and instead offers wealthy foreigners a fast-track to the American Dream.

The Gold Card concept, first announced in April 2025, is essentially a premium version of the existing EB-5 investor visa program. Unlike the EB-5, which requires an investment between $800,000 and $1.05 million, the Trump Card carries a significantly higher price tag of $5 million. According to Trump, this new high-end visa will help raise revenue to reduce the national deficit while simultaneously attracting affluent global citizens who can contribute to the American economy.

Announcing the initiative on Truth Social, Trump wrote in his characteristic flamboyant style, “FOR FIVE MILLION $DOLLARS, THE TRUMP CARD IS COMING! Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World.”

The website, trumpcard.gov, currently allows interested applicants to register their details, including their name, region, email address, and whether they are applying as an individual or on behalf of a business. The site accepts expressions of interest from eight global regions: Europe, Asia (including the Middle East), North America, Oceania, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.

The homepage prominently displays an image of the Gold Card itself—a gold-colored residency permit featuring Trump’s face and the inscription “The Trump Card.” Though the card is not yet available for issuance, registered users will reportedly be the first to receive updates when the application portal opens.

While the full legal framework and processing timelines for the Gold Card remain unclear, the political messaging is evident: Trump is merging his real estate playbook with immigration policy, monetizing residency for high-net-worth individuals. He has claimed that the program could replace the EB-5 entirely and bring in up to one million applicants, which could theoretically generate up to $5 trillion in revenue—a number experts say is overly optimistic.

Critics argue that the program blatantly commercializes citizenship and undermines the democratic principles of equality and merit. Human rights organizations and immigration advocates have condemned the idea, calling it elitist and discriminatory against less wealthy immigrants seeking legal status through traditional means.

Supporters of the initiative, however, argue that it represents a pragmatic solution to national financial challenges while attracting business leaders and innovators from around the world. They view it as a win-win model that allows America to compete with other countries offering investor-based visas, such as Portugal, Malta, and the United Arab Emirates.

In his initial proposal back in February, Trump did not shy away from controversy, suggesting that even Russian oligarchs may qualify for the Gold Card. Though he has since toned down such comments, the message remains clear: wealth is now a new gateway to legal status in America.

Analysts also believe this initiative fits squarely within Trump's broader second-term immigration strategy—one that seeks to deport millions of undocumented immigrants while offering legal entry to those who can pay. It's a dual-track approach, harsh on the undocumented yet welcoming to those with capital.

The launch has also sparked discussion within the tech and investment communities. Many entrepreneurs and venture capitalists see potential in the program, arguing that it could attract global talent and capital into the US startup ecosystem. However, others fear it may fuel income inequality and set a dangerous precedent for the commodification of citizenship.

As of now, the program has not officially begun accepting applications or processing visas. The White House has stated that the current phase is for data collection and gauging global interest. A formal launch date is expected later this year, with specific eligibility criteria, investment guidelines, and residency conditions to be published in due course.

In the meantime, the Trump administration appears eager to capitalize on the initial wave of global interest. The bold branding, high price tag, and exclusive benefits of the Gold Card are already making waves in political, diplomatic, and financial circles. While it’s too early to predict its success, the Trump Card is certain to remain a hot topic in the months ahead, especially as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

Whether this initiative will redefine immigration policy or remain a niche offering for the ultra-wealthy remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Trump has again positioned himself at the center of political, financial, and ideological debate—this time through a gold-colored card promising citizenship at a price.