The highly anticipated “Trump Gold Card,” a $5 million visa program touted as a pathway to U.S. residency, faces increasing uncertainty regarding its public rollout, with conflicting timelines and a lack of clarity from officials.
When will Trump’s Gold Card be launched?
While President Trump initially announced the program in February, suggesting a launch within two weeks, the card has yet to materialise. More recently, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated on April 10th that the administration aimed to launch the card “within a week-and-a-half,” adding that officials were “excited” and the card was “coming soon.” This followed reports from Wired that Lutnick had previously claimed to have sold 1,000 gold cards in March.
Elon Musk, when questioned about the program, stated that the public rollout would occur after thorough testing, but refrained from providing a specific timeline. Musk wrote on X: “We’re doing a quiet trial to make sure the system works properly. Once it is fully tested, it will be rolled out to the public with an announcement by the President. (sic)”
We’re doing a quiet trial to make sure the system works properly. Once it is fully tested, it will be rolled out to the public with an announcement by the President.
— gorklon rust (@elonmusk) May 11, 2025
What does the Trump Gold card offer?
The “Trump Gold Card” promises buyers the benefits of a green card holder, including permanent residency and work authorisation, though not voting rights or the ability to run for public office. Trump has emphasised that the program will attract “wealthy people” who will invest in the U.S. economy through spending, tax payments, and job creation. He also stated that revenue generated from the card sales would be used to reduce the national debt. Lutnick has assured the public of a rigorous vetting process to ensure recipients are “great global citizens.”
President Trump initially projected selling one million of these cards.
The announcement of the $5 million visa program comes amidst the administration’s intensified efforts to increase deportations. Trump had previously pledged to conduct the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.
His administration’s deportation policies have faced legal challenges, including the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose mistaken deportation garnered national attention. Additionally, the administration has sought to revoke student visas and offered financial incentives for voluntary self-deportation.