Trump’s Gold Card Visa Quietly Tested, Elon Musk Reveals on X

Billionaire technologist Elon Musk has confirmed that the controversial Trump Gold Card Visa program—an initiative proposed by President Donald Trump offering wealthy investors US residency and a path to citizenship for $5 million—is currently undergoing a quiet trial to test its functionality before a nationwide rollout.

The revelation came on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where Musk responded to a user inquiry with:

“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.”

What Is the Trump Gold Card Visa?

Initially unveiled in February 2025, the Trump Gold Card Visa aims to offer high-net-worth individuals a streamlined path to U.S. permanent residency—what Trump called “green card privileges”—in exchange for a $5 million payment directly to the federal government. In essence, it would act as a premium fast-track for citizenship.

During his announcement, President Trump said, “We’re going to be selling a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges.”

Though launched without formal congressional approval, the administration insists the visa is a legitimate economic initiative, albeit one that has raised eyebrows among immigration attorneys and civil rights groups alike.

How Would the Gold Card Visa Work?

According to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Trump Gold Card Visa could serve as a replacement for the existing EB-5 program, which grants permanent residency to foreign investors who inject at least $800,000 into a U.S. business and create or preserve at least 10 jobs.

The Trump version, however, strips away much of the complexity, offering a simpler process: pay $5 million to the government and, upon passing eligibility checks, gain residency and a future pathway to citizenship.

Critics argue the scheme effectively monetizes U.S. citizenship, while proponents view it as a competitive tool for retaining global talent and injecting capital into the national economy.

Recruitment Tool or Wealth Gate?

Defending the proposal, Trump framed the Gold Card visa as a lifeline for American companies hoping to keep elite global talent after graduation.

“I get calls from, as an example, companies where they want to hire the No. 1 student at the school—person comes from India, China, Japan—and they go to Harvard, Wharton, Yale,” Trump explained. “These companies can go and buy a gold card, and they can use it as a matter of recruitment. I happen to think it’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain.”

By providing this option, he argues, businesses can bypass immigration bureaucracy while boosting federal revenues. Trump even claimed the U.S. could sell 1 million Trump Gold Card Visas, generating a staggering $5 trillion.

Who’s Eligible?

When asked about who could access this opportunity, Trump gave vague but pointed answers. “We want to make sure we have people that love our country and are capable of loving the country.”

He hinted that nationality-based restrictions might not be part of the plan but emphasized there would still be vetting procedures. According to insiders, discussions are underway to finalize background checks and origin-based risk assessments.

Security Risks and Elite Access Concerns

Immigration experts and watchdogs are less convinced. Concerns have surfaced around national security, vetting rigor, and the moral precedent of “selling” American citizenship.

Bloomberg reports quoted legal analysts warning that affluent individuals—potentially even foreign oligarchs—might exploit the loopholes. Asked about this possibility, Trump candidly replied: “Possibly. Hey, I know some Russian oligarchs that are nice people.”

Such statements have fueled anxiety that the program, while lucrative, may sidestep existing immigration frameworks designed to ensure national security and equitable access.

The Quiet Rollout: A Strategic Gamble?

Musk’s confirmation of a quiet trial phase suggests a deliberate strategy to fine-tune the backend of the program before launching it publicly. Analysts say this could be the administration’s way of managing risks, testing eligibility logistics, and building a smooth digital infrastructure.

No official announcement has been made yet, but Musk’s comments have already sparked renewed debate over what could become one of the most radical immigration changes in U.S. history.

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