Donald Trump has always been known for his ability to shake up the political landscape, but his latest idea is leaving both supporters and critics stunned. The 78-year-old former president is pushing for a new immigration program called the Gold Card, a high-priced visa that grants foreign investors a pathway to U.S. residency—and he’s hinting at renaming it after himself just to drive his opponents crazy.
In a recent Fox News interview, Trump revealed that his supporters are calling for the visa to be dubbed the “Trump Card.” He laughed as he told host Laura Ingraham, “It’ll drive you crazy. It’ll drive the left crazy. They want to call it the Trump Card.”
The proposed Gold Card immigration status is expected to be far more exclusive than the existing EB-5 visa, which currently allows foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency by making an investment of at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted areas) and creating at least 10 full-time American jobs. But Trump insists his program will be “much more popular” and a significant economic boost for the country.
What Is the Gold Card? A Residency for the Ultra-Rich
Under Trump’s proposal, the Gold Card would require a foreign investor to put up a minimum of $5 million into a U.S. project. Unlike the EB-5 visa, there are no clear job creation requirements—making it a much more straightforward pay-to-play route for those who can afford it.
Trump framed the Gold Card as an economic masterstroke, claiming it would attract high-net-worth individuals who would contribute massively to the U.S. economy by spending lavishly, paying taxes, and employing Americans.
“We’re talking about people who will bring wealth into our country,” he explained. “They will spend a lot of money. They will pay a lot of taxes. They will create a lot of jobs.”
A Power Play That Could Reshape the U.S. Economy?
Beyond just attracting wealthy individuals, Trump believes the Gold Card could be a game-changing strategy to tackle America’s national debt.
“If we sell one million Gold Cards, that’s $5 trillion,” Trump boasted. “We are now an unbelievably successful country.”
His logic is simple: If enough wealthy investors buy into the program, the revenue generated could significantly reduce U.S. debt, making America financially stronger than ever.
Supporters of the plan have called it one of Trump’s most brilliant economic strategies, claiming that the massive influx of capital could lead to lower taxes, stronger infrastructure, and increased job opportunities. Some political commentators have even suggested that this move could redefine global investment trends, making the U.S. the top destination for the world’s elite.
Who Can Apply? And What About Russian Oligarchs?
Details about who exactly will qualify for the Gold Card remain unclear, but Trump has hinted that both individuals and corporations will be able to apply.
One particularly controversial aspect of the plan is Trump’s suggestion that Russian oligarchs—many of whom are currently restricted from entering the U.S. due to sanctions—could potentially qualify for the visa.
During his Fox News interview, he described the card as “somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication.” Critics have since raised concerns that the program could open the door for foreign influence, money laundering, or even national security risks.
“Who exactly is this benefiting?” one political analyst questioned. “Is it just a way for billionaires to buy their way into America?”
A Golden Ticket to U.S. Citizenship?
According to Trump, the Gold Card will also serve as a pathway to U.S. citizenship, offering investors long-term benefits beyond just residency.
“People who have the Gold Card will have privileges similar to a Green Card,” he explained, suggesting that those who hold the visa long enough may eventually be able to apply for full U.S. citizenship.
This element of the plan has sparked heated debate, with critics arguing that it could favor the ultra-wealthy over hardworking immigrants who go through the traditional Green Card process.
Opponents of the plan claim that it creates a two-tiered immigration system—one for the rich, who can buy their way into America, and another for everyone else, who must endure years of bureaucracy and strict eligibility requirements.
Political Fallout: A Genius Move or a Disaster Waiting to Happen?
As expected, Trump’s announcement has ignited a firestorm of reactions.
Supporters praise the plan as an innovative solution that will bring in billions of dollars and attract the world’s elite to the United States. They argue that wealthy immigrants contribute more in tax revenue, job creation, and business growth, making this a win-win for America.
On the other hand, critics see it as another Trump scheme designed to benefit the rich, accusing him of turning American residency into a luxury product.
Some lawmakers have already vowed to fight the plan, arguing that it could lead to corruption, favoritism, and potential security risks.
Meanwhile, the idea of calling the visa the “Trump Card” has only added fuel to the political fire, with some calling it a brilliant branding move and others labeling it as an example of Trump’s never-ending self-obsession.
What Happens Next?
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has confirmed that the Gold Card will officially launch in two weeks, replacing an existing visa program.
The real question is: Will this plan actually succeed?
Will the world’s billionaires line up to buy their way into the U.S.? Will the program truly generate trillions in revenue as Trump predicts? Or will it backfire, causing public outrage and political backlash?
One thing is for sure—Donald Trump has once again proven he knows how to dominate the headlines. And if this plan moves forward, it could be one of the most controversial immigration policies in modern U.S. history.
