President Donald Trump just unveiled what he calls a brand-new idea—a special “Gold Card” program offering U.S. citizenship to wealthy foreigners for a whopping $5 million each.
Yes, you read that right: Trump wants to sell American citizenship like it’s an exclusive VIP club membership. And critics aren’t holding back.
“We’re Selling a Gold Card”
During a meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump enthusiastically described his vision:
“We’re gonna be selling a gold card,” Trump explained. “You have a green card—this is a gold card. We’re gonna put a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus. It’s gonna be a route to citizenship, and wealthy people will be coming into our country.”
The president’s pitch? If you’re rich enough, America’s doors swing wide open—no questions asked.
Who Could Qualify? Even Russian Oligarchs
When asked by reporters if even controversial billionaires, like Russian oligarchs, could buy their way into U.S. citizenship, Trump didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah, possibly,” he casually replied. “Hey, I know some Russian oligarchs who are very nice people.”
This raised immediate concerns. Critics worry that this could invite corruption, money laundering, and serious threats to national security—all under the banner of citizenship for sale.
Backlash Explodes on Social Media
Within moments, Trump’s bold announcement sparked outrage, humor, and disbelief online:
- Ukrainian journalist Oleksiy Sorokin slammed the idea, saying:
“Give $5 million and become a U.S. citizen even if you’re a Russian oligarch. Banana republic vibes.”
- Michael Weiss, editor at Russia-focused outlet The Insider, mocked Trump’s administration:
“We’re ruled by a strange consortium of rubes with Ivy League degrees and outer borough mooks with offshore accounts. It’s like an early Bellow novel on hallucinogens.”
- The political commentator group, The Tennessee Holler, tweeted bluntly:
“The grift goes on. The USA is now QVC.”
- Veteran advocate and strategist Fred Wellman summed it up simply:
“More for the rich.”
- Even academics couldn’t hide their amusement—or concern. University of Virginia professor T. Kenny Fountain joked:
“Now we’re going to sell citizenship to the highest bidder, like membership to some resort. Give me your wealthy, your faux-finished, your yacht-class high spenders.”
Not Exactly a New Idea, But Much More Extreme
While Trump presents his “Gold Card” as innovative, the concept isn’t entirely new. America already has an EB-5 visa program, allowing foreign investors who create jobs in the U.S. a pathway to residency.
But Trump’s new idea goes further: He proposes essentially zero restrictions. Anyone with enough cash, no matter their background, could buy immediate citizenship.
Is American Citizenship Just Another Luxury Item?
Critics argue Trump’s proposal reduces American citizenship—a core pillar of national pride and security—to a luxury good available only to the wealthy.
What happens next could redefine immigration, citizenship, and even America’s identity itself.
As this controversy grows, America must answer a serious question: Is citizenship for sale—and at what cost?
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