Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
May 28 , 2025
Washington, DC - Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced plans for a new Trump Visa Gold Card program, supplementing the already controversial $5 million Gold Card visa for foreign investors. This new card, distinct from the existing visa program, targets American citizens willing to pay $1 million for exclusive benefits linked directly to President Donald Trump.
The original Trump Gold Card visa, set to launch imminently via the website trumpcard.gov, offers wealthy foreigners a pathway to U.S. permanent residency and eventual citizenship in exchange for a $5 million investment. This program is designed to replace the EB-5 investor visa, which requires a significantly lower investment but has been plagued by fraud and inefficiency. The new visa aims to attract "very high-level individuals" who can contribute to the U.S. economy and help reduce the national debt, with Trump ambitiously projecting sales of up to one million cards, potentially generating trillions in revenue.
In contrast, the newly announced adjunct Trump Visa Gold Card for Americans is priced at $1 million and offers a unique set of exclusive privileges. Cardholders will enjoy three private dinners with Donald Trump at the White House, receive a signed Trump Bible, and be entitled to two Presidential Pardons per year. These perks symbolize a blend of political influence, personal access, and legal protection, underscoring the card’s appeal to affluent American citizens seeking prestige and exceptional benefits.
Commerce Secretary Lutnick emphasized the exclusivity and appeal of the program, suggesting that it will attract a select group of Americans who value direct engagement with Trump and the privileges that come with the card. This initiative aligns with the administration's broader strategy to capitalize on Trump's personal brand and political capital while generating significant revenue.
The Trump Gold Card visa for foreigners and the new American adjunct card reflect a novel approach to immigration and citizenship policy, blending investment, political access, and legal privileges. While the foreign investor visa focuses on economic contributions and residency, the American card offers a premium experience tied to Trump’s persona and presidential powers.
Critics have raised concerns about the legality and ethics of selling Presidential Pardons and exclusive access, as well as the broader implications for immigration policy. Nonetheless, the administration is moving forward with plans to launch the foreign investor visa program website within days and is expected to release detailed information about both cards in the coming weeks.
This dual-card strategy marks a significant development in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape immigration and citizenship pathways while leveraging the former president’s influence to attract both foreign investment and domestic elite participation.
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