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Full Breakdown

Howard Lutnick Promotes Trump Gold Card Amid Epstein Ties

7/6/2026, 9:20:55 PM

Core Event: Promotion of the Trump Gold Card

On Sunday evening, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick posted an image on X showing President Donald Trump holding the “Trump Gold Card,” a visa program for wealthy immigrants launched in September. The program costs $1 million to $5 million and grants permanent residency and a citizenship pathway.

Background & Context: Program Design and Image Authenticity

The program, introduced by the Trump administration, targets high-net-worth individuals. It aims to attract foreign investment by offering residency benefits for contributions of $1 million to $5 million. Investigative journalist Jamie Satterfield noted that the signature on the posted image closely matches Trump’s signature on an alleged birthday letter.

Key Figures & Groups

Howard Lutnick – U.S. Commerce Secretary, former associate of Jeffrey Epstein.

Donald Trump – Former U.S. President, featured in the promotional image.

Jeffrey Epstein – Financier whose victims have criticized the administration.

Brett Meiselas – Co-founder of MeidasTouch, a political advocacy group.

Republicans against Trump – Conservative social-media brand with over 1 million followers.

Official Statements & Responses

Lutnick asserted that he severed all ties with Epstein in 2005, a claim later contradicted by reports of continued contact through at least 2018.

In 2023, Lutnick reported that at least 1,000 Gold Cards had been sold. During sworn testimony in April 2024, he revised that figure, stating that only one had been sold.

The Commerce Department’s description of the program emphasizes its cost range and the permanent residency benefit, without addressing the controversy.

Criticism & Opposition

Brett Meiselas of MeidasTouch responded to Lutnick’s post, highlighting victims’ demands for justice.

Republicans against Trump criticized the administration’s priorities, contrasting the Gold Card promotion with unmet domestic policy goals such as affordable health care.

Survivors of Epstein’s abuse expressed outrage over the Justice Department’s handling of their identities and the lack of prosecutions for alleged co-conspirators.

Data & Statistics

Cost per Gold Card: $1 million–$5 million.

Reported sales: initially claimed 1,000; later admitted only one.

Program launch: September (year not specified in source).

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Discrepancy exists between Lutnick’s 2023 claim of 1,000 cards sold and his 2024 sworn testimony of a single sale.

No independent verification of the actual number of Gold Cards issued is provided in the sources.

Verbatim Quotes

“If only they cared half as much about justice for Epstein's victims,” — Brett Meiselas, co-founder, MeidasTouch

“Lower prices? Nope. Affordable health care? Nope,” — Republicans against Trump (social-media post)

“The Trump administration is busy selling $5 million “Gold Cards” to Russian, Chinese, and Saudi oligarchs.” — Republicans against Trump (social-media post)