• Trump’s $5M ‘Trump Card’ offers wealthy foreigners a fast-track to U.S. citizenship, with a waitlist now open for interested applicants.
• Commerce Secretary Lutnick claims the program could generate \$1 trillion, attracting vetted investors who will bring jobs and pay U.S. taxes.
• The initiative sparks backlash, with critics calling it unfair and elitist while supporters see it as a bold way to boost the economy.

Foreign nationals with deep pockets now have the chance to jump the line in America’s immigration system—if they’re willing to spend $5 million. Former President Donald Trump has unveiled a flashy new program dubbed the “Trump Card,” promising an express path to U.S. citizenship for the global elite. The announcement, which came via Trump’s Truth Social account, lit up social media on Wednesday night and is already stirring strong reactions from all sides of the political aisle.

“FOR FIVE MILLION $DOLLARS, THE TRUMP CARD IS COMING!” Trump declared in all caps. He described the offer as a “beautiful road” to gaining access to what he proudly calls “the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World.”

The program’s official website, TrumpCard.gov, is now live and accepting registrations for a waitlist. The homepage features a sleek gold card adorned with Trump’s headshot, signature, and the price tag: $5,000,000. Though the card isn’t available for purchase just yet, eager applicants can already sign up to be notified when enrollment begins.

A Pricey Shortcut with Big Promises

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick backed Trump’s announcement, reposting the Truth Social post and declaring, “The wait is over.” He confirmed during a live Axios event last month that the website would soon be ready, adding that full program details would roll out “in a matter of weeks—not months.”

Lutnick didn’t shy away from the program’s steep cost, instead framing it as a patriotic contribution from the world’s wealthiest individuals.

“These are going to be great people,” he said. “They’re bringing business, opportunity, and most importantly—they’re bringing $5 million. Why wouldn’t we want that?”

The idea is simple: offer foreign investors a “Plan B” if political or economic chaos threatens their home country. With the Trump Card, Lutnick imagines a world where a person in crisis can fly to the U.S., present their golden key at the airport, and hear, “Welcome home.”

Public Reaction: Applause, Outrage, and Deep Unease

Unsurprisingly, the announcement has triggered a fierce national debate. Supporters see it as an innovative way to bring wealth and entrepreneurial talent into the U.S. while also helping reduce the country’s staggering debt. Lutnick went as far as estimating that if 200,000 people bought in, the program could generate $1 trillion in revenue for the government.

“We give away 280,000 visas a year for free,” Lutnick pointed out. “Meanwhile, Trump could raise a trillion dollars with this plan. That makes sense to me.”

Critics, however, are slamming the initiative as a blatant attempt to sell American citizenship to the highest bidder. Many are calling it a golden ticket for the ultra-rich, while millions of immigrants struggling through traditional routes face years—sometimes decades—of uncertainty and red tape.

Some online users branded the idea as “immoral,” arguing that it puts a price tag on something that should be earned through merit, not money. Others questioned the fairness of rewarding wealth at a time when many Americans are still paying off student loans or struggling with healthcare costs.

“This is not immigration reform. This is a luxury pass for billionaires,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Meanwhile, my cousin has been waiting five years just to get a green card.”

Trump’s Strategy: Close the Door for Some, Open It Wide for Others

The Trump Card comes at a curious moment in Trump’s political trajectory. On one hand, he has been vocal about cracking down on illegal immigration and tightening border control. On the other, he’s pitching a plan that essentially opens the gates for the world’s wealthiest—no matter where they come from—as long as they bring their cash.

This dual approach is drawing attention for what some call hypocrisy, while others see it as strategic.

“It’s classic Trump,” said one political analyst. “He’s shutting down one path and creating another. It sends a loud message: if you’re rich, you’re welcome.”

In his recent interview with Bret Baier on Fox News, Lutnick tried to temper concerns. He assured viewers that all applicants would undergo intense vetting and background checks. “These are deeply vetted people,” he insisted. “We’re talking about CEOs, entrepreneurs, world-class investors. They’ll contribute to the economy, create jobs, and pay taxes. It’s a win for America.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Trump Card?

The Trump Card isn’t officially live yet, but early interest is already growing. Thousands of hopefuls from around the globe have reportedly registered for updates. While only a small slice of the world’s population can afford the \$5 million price tag, the buzz around the program is undeniable.

For some, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy stability, status, and security in one of the world’s most powerful countries. For others, it’s a troubling sign that money, once again, talks louder than fairness or effort.

One thing is clear: this program, like much of what Trump does, is shaking up the immigration conversation in a big way. Whether it ends up being a smart financial move for the country or a controversial footnote in history will depend on how many takers step forward—and how the American public responds as the plan moves from concept to reality.

As the waitlist grows and more details emerge, the world will be watching closely. Will the Trump Card become a golden door to the American dream—or a glaring symbol of how access to that dream now comes with a hefty price tag?