Donald Trump Launches Controversial $5 Million “Gold Card” Program Website

In a stunning move that has already sparked fierce debate across political and financial circles, former President Donald J. Trump has officially launched a website promoting the sale of a $5 million “Trump Gold Card” — a luxury-status product marketed to the global ultra-wealthy. The website, which went live early this week under the domain TrumpGoldElite.com, invites users to “secure your elite status and step into a new realm of American opportunity.”

The program, shrouded in both patriotic rhetoric and mystery, has ignited questions about legality, ethics, and what this means for the future of political fundraising and immigration access in the United States.

A New Kind of Access

The Gold Card — which the website touts as “the most exclusive membership in the world” — appears to offer a combination of elite networking privileges, personal invitations to Trump-branded events, and what critics are calling a thinly veiled promise of “soft power” in U.S. political spheres. Among the advertised perks: private dinners with Trump-aligned politicians, VIP access to Mar-a-Lago events, and even “immigration consultation services for qualified applicants.”

While there is no direct mention of U.S. citizenship or legal residency guarantees, language on the site has alarmed policy analysts. One line reads: “Experience America not just as a visitor — but as someone with influence.” Another claims the card offers “concierge-level access to American political and business leadership.”

Who Can Apply?

Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $50,000 “application review fee,” and the full $5 million must be paid upon acceptance into the program. The website claims the Trump Gold Card is “available only to 100 carefully selected individuals per year,” and that it is “primarily aimed at global investors, visionary entrepreneurs, and patriotic benefactors.”

To apply, candidates must submit detailed personal and financial records, including proof of a net worth exceeding $50 million. A section of the application also includes a prompt asking applicants to describe “how your values align with the American spirit of freedom, faith, and prosperity.”

The website does not make clear who evaluates the applications, but notes that “final approval is overseen by members of the Trump Global Council” — a newly coined entity with no listed members or public charter.

Criticism from All Sides

Reaction to the Gold Card launch has been swift and polarizing. Immigration reform groups immediately blasted the program as “elitist and exploitative,” with the American Immigration Council issuing a statement calling it “a disturbing commodification of American values and legal access.”

Progressive lawmakers echoed the concern. Senator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Selling access to America for $5 million is not patriotism — it’s corruption on display.”

Even some Republicans expressed skepticism. A senior GOP strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity, commented, “It’s a bold move. Whether it’s legal, ethical, or politically survivable is a different question.”

Legal scholars are divided. While there is no law prohibiting private individuals from charging for access to exclusive events or forming social clubs, the fuzzy language around immigration and influence could potentially draw scrutiny from the Department of Justice or the Federal Election Commission, especially if the funds are linked to campaign financing.

Trump’s Team Responds

In a press release issued on Thursday, Trump spokesperson Natalie Ruiz defended the program as “a private, lawful opportunity designed to celebrate American greatness and reward those who support its values.”

“It’s no different than high-tier donor clubs or premium memberships offered by global brands,” the statement read. “The Trump Gold Card is an elite lifestyle and networking product, not a visa scheme.”

When asked whether Trump himself profits directly from the program, Ruiz responded that “President Trump is proud to support opportunities that align with his vision of American exceptionalism.”

A Golden Path to Political Capital?

Some political analysts believe this move is less about personal profit and more about reshaping how political influence is accessed in a post-presidency world. “Trump has always viewed brand, power, and politics as inseparable,” said Dr. Helen Garrow, a political economy professor at Georgetown. “What we’re seeing now is the extension of Trumpism into a literal pay-to-play system — one that operates just outside the bounds of traditional politics but wields immense symbolic power.”

Indeed, buried in the website’s FAQ section is a line that reads: “Cardholders may receive priority consideration for future appointments and advisory opportunities within Trump-affiliated initiatives.” Critics say this is a not-so-subtle promise of political influence.

Future Legal Challenges?

It’s likely that regulatory bodies will soon begin asking tough questions. Immigration watchdogs are already calling for a formal investigation. Ethics lawyers from the Campaign Legal Center said they’re reviewing whether the program violates FEC rules if any part of the funds are funneled into Trump-aligned Super PACs or campaigns.

Meanwhile, watchdog groups warn this could set a dangerous precedent. “If this stands unchallenged, what’s to stop other politicians from doing the same?” asked Maurice Allen, director of Political Integrity Now. “It’s a blueprint for monetizing democracy.”

Final Thoughts

The Trump Gold Card may be the boldest — and most controversial — expression yet of the post-Trump era’s hybridization of celebrity, politics, and commerce. Whether it’s a brilliant marketing scheme, a political money machine, or a legally dubious attempt to sell proximity to power, one thing is clear: Donald Trump is once again redefining the boundaries of American politics — and cashing in along the way.

Applications for the Trump Gold Card are now open, but the scrutiny has only just begun.