The slow rollout of the Trump Gold Card visa program, with only one approval reported as of late April 2026 despite hundreds in processing, underpins trader consensus favoring the lowest sales bracket for 2026. Launched in December 2025 with initial claims of rapid multibillion-dollar uptake, the $1 million contribution requirement for expedited residency has encountered extended background checks, legal questions over processing speed, and competition from established investor pathways such as EB-5. Administration updates highlight completed setup but note deliberate pacing to address national security concerns, while broader policy focus on tariffs and deficit reduction has not yet produced measurable acceleration in applications. These factors sustain the implied probability edge for minimal volume absent new streamlining or diplomatic outreach.