President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for immigration visas aimed at highly skilled workers, aligning with Elon Musk in an ongoing debate within the MAGA movement.
Trump’s remarks, shared during a phone interview with The New York Post on Saturday, touched on the contentious H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields.
“I’ve always liked the visas. I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump said. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”
Trump’s recent comments mark a departure from his first administration, during which he implemented stricter restrictions on foreign worker visas and criticized the H-1B program for its potential misuse.
His remarks reflect an openness to Musk’s argument that the program is vital for ensuring access to highly skilled labor, which is often unavailable domestically.
Musk and other tech leaders have argued for an expansion of the program, emphasizing its importance in maintaining the competitiveness of American companies. “The reason I’m in America, along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong, is because of H-1B,” Musk stated this week.
The debate intensified when Musk clashed with critics on social media. Steven Mackey, an X user, mocked Musk by using his own phrase, “Stop trying to optimize something that shouldn’t exist,” to critique the H-1B program. Mackey sarcastically added, “Let’s optimize H-1B.”
Musk responded fiercely: “Take a big step back and F*** YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” His passionate defense of the program underscored its significance to his personal success and the broader tech industry.
The H-1B visa program has long been a contentious issue within the MAGA movement. Hardliners argue that the program undermines American workers by allowing companies to hire cheaper foreign labor. Figures like Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter have called for significant curtailment, citing abuses of the system.
Steve Bannon, former White House counselor and a prominent MAGA voice, joined the criticism of Musk. In a post on Gettr, Bannon derided Musk’s stance, calling for accountability: “Someone please notify ‘Child Protective Services’—need to do a ‘wellness check’ on this toddler.”
Musk’s argument centers on maintaining America’s global competitiveness. He highlighted the program’s role in attracting the “top ~0.1% of engineering talent,” which he believes is essential for the country’s continued success.
Vivek Ramaswamy, slated to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency alongside Musk, echoed these sentiments. “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence,” Ramaswamy wrote on X, signaling his support for the H-1B program as a means to foster innovation and talent.
Trump’s stance reflects a balancing act between the demands of the MAGA base and the practical needs of the economy. While his previous administration emphasized prioritizing American workers, his recent comments suggest a recognition of the program’s potential benefits.
“I know the program has its critics, but I’ve seen firsthand how it can bring great talent to America. It’s about using it responsibly,” Trump noted during the interview.