The U.S. government has launched a new “Trump Gold Card” application portal offering expedited U.S. residency after a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee and, after vetting, a $1,000,000 “gift” payment (with a $2,000,000 option for corporate sponsors per employee). 

At the same time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published a proposal to expand ESTA data collection for Visa Waiver Program travelers—most notably making five years of social media a mandatory ESTA data element. 

What is the Trump Gold Card?

According to the official program site, applicants begin by paying a $15,000 processing fee and then proceed through vetting; if approved, they are instructed to make a $1M “gift” payment (or $2M for corporate sponsorship cases). 

The website also states that Gold Card holders, like U.S. permanent residents, are subject to U.S. tax (including on non-U.S. income). 

What about the “Trump Platinum Card”?

The program site says the Trump Platinum Card (not yet released) would allow an individual to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to U.S. tax on non-U.S. income, and that a waitlist is available. 

How this compares to the existing EB-5 investor route

EB-5 is the long-standing U.S. immigrant investor category created by Congress. A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report summarizes key requirements such as minimum investment thresholds and the job-creation requirement (at least 10 jobs). 

By contrast, the Gold Card is described on the official site as a “gift” payment following vetting, rather than a job-creating investment structure. 

CBP proposes expanded ESTA screening, including social media

CBP’s Federal Register notice proposes multiple changes to the ESTA process. The most notable elements include:

• Mandatory social media: ESTA applicants would have to provide their social media from the last 5 years. 

• “High value” data fields (when feasible), including:

  • Telephone numbers used in the last five years 

  • Email addresses used in the last ten years 

  • Expanded family member details (names, dates/places of birth, residencies, and family phone numbers) 

  • Biometrics listed as “face, fingerprint, DNA, and iris” 

Is this final yet?

No. The Federal Register notice is a 60-day notice and request for comments; CBP lists February 9, 2026 as the deadline to be assured of consideration. 

Industry groups have warned the proposal could deter travel, and Reuters reports the government notice described the change as expected to take effect February 8 (though that timing is tied to the proposal’s implementation trajectory, not a final rule already in force). 

Practical takeaways for EU/UK/other Visa Waiver travelers

1. Treat this as “proposed,” not guaranteed: requirements can still change during the public comment process. 

2. Prepare your records (if you travel frequently): you may want to be ready to list social accounts used over the past 5 years and emails used over the past 10 years, consistent with the proposal. 

3. Watch for process changes: CBP’s notice discusses changes that may affect how ESTA is submitted (including mobile workflows).