Trump Launches Controversial Gold Card Visa Program

Donald Trump has launched the 'Trump Card' or 'Gold Card' visa program, offering permanent U.S. residency to wealthy foreigners for a $5 million fee via the website TrumpCard.gov. The program is positioned as a replacement for the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program but notably lacks requirements for job creation. Trump claims the scheme could raise between $75 billion and $5 trillion, though experts argue this projection is unrealistic due to a limited pool of eligible applicants. The initiative has drawn widespread criticism for its lack of transparency, gaudy self-promotion, and ethical concerns, especially after Trump stated he would sell visas to Russian oligarchs. Conflicting statements from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and others about the program's status and sales have added to skepticism. The rollout has faced repeated delays and negative public reception, with the program's legitimacy and impact under question.