A new U.S. visa program led by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — dubbed the Golden Trump Card — is drawing global attention, with nearly 70,000 people already registering their interest in the proposed $5 million residency pathway. As first reported by the Financial Times, the initiative promises legal U.S. residency for wealthy foreigners in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the country’s economy.
The sleek golden visa card, emblazoned with Donald Trump’s face, signature, an eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and the American flag, was unveiled last week via a newly launched government portal: trumpcard.gov. The high-profile branding reflects former President Trump’s aesthetic and branding preferences, according to Lutnick.
“The card will be made of gold,” Lutnick told the Financial Times. “It will be beautiful… Trump appreciates these kinds of things. He cares about how it looks, how it feels.”
Lutnick said the idea for the scheme was originally proposed by billionaire investor and Trump donor John Paulson as a creative way to boost U.S. revenues and address the nation’s $36 trillion debt. The Department of Commerce believes that if 200,000 of these visas are sold, it could generate up to $1 trillion for the U.S. Treasury.
The Trump Card is being positioned as a more premium and expansive alternative to the existing EB-5 visa program, which currently offers residency for a minimum investment of around $1.8 million. In contrast, the Trump Card requires a $5 million payment and is expected to target high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs seeking a pathway to live and work legally in the U.S.
One anonymous tech CEO told the Financial Times that his company plans to purchase over 100 Trump Cards if the program is implemented. “It’s a way to welcome the world’s best and brightest to the United States — particularly entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists,” he said through a spokesperson.
Despite the surge in interest, the program is not yet officially operational. Key policy elements remain undecided — including tax structures for visa holders, vetting procedures, and possible country exclusions. While the Department of Commerce plans to issue “tens of thousands” of cards over the summer, according to sources familiar with the matter, final approval from the White House and other federal agencies is still pending.
Lutnick, who recently accompanied President Trump on diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, has actively pitched the Trump Card to foreign dignitaries and business leaders. “Whenever I meet with international executives, I always go through it with them and sell it to them,” he told the FT. “I can’t help myself.”
The program’s international appeal may depend heavily on how the U.S. addresses tax implications for Trump Card holders. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of stablecoin issuer Tether and a long-time business associate of Lutnick, expressed skepticism about the program’s appeal due to the U.S.’s global tax obligations.
“The problem with Americans is wherever they go, they have to pay taxes in the U.S.,” Ardoino told the Financial Times. “I didn’t research into it, but I live in Switzerland, in El Salvador. Why should I [buy it]?”
As the Trump administration continues to evaluate the legal and logistical components of the Trump Card scheme, the unprecedented early interest suggests strong demand for high-tier U.S. residency options — provided the final framework offers more than just a golden card and a patriotic design.
