Trump Backs Musk in MAGA Feud Over H-1B Visa Program for Skilled Workers

President-elect Donald Trump has openly supported the H-1B visa program amidst a growing rift among his MAGA allies. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump described the program as a valuable tool for hiring skilled foreign workers. “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,” he said.

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire non-citizens for specialized roles in industries such as technology and engineering. While Trump’s endorsement aligns with his personal use of the program, it contrasts with the restrictive measures his administration proposed during his first term, which aimed to reduce the number of visas issued annually. These proposals were ultimately blocked by the courts.

A spokesperson for Trump’s transition team did not specify which of his properties currently employ H-1B visa holders.

MAGA Allies Divided on Foreign Worker Policies
The MAGA community is split on the issue, with factions debating whether the H-1B program strengthens the economy or undermines American jobs. Prominent Trump allies, including tech mogul Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have defended the program, emphasizing its contributions to innovation and competitiveness.

Tech Leaders Highlight Importance of H-1B Visas
Elon Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, strongly advocated for the program, noting that the pool of highly skilled engineers within the U.S. is limited. “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low,” Musk stated on X (formerly Twitter). He credited the H-1B program for enabling his companies’ success and for attracting global talent to the U.S.

In a fiery post, Musk called for the removal of “hateful, unrepentant racists” within the Republican Party, who he believes are undermining pro-immigration policies. This statement followed heated exchanges with critics, including Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert comic strip.

Vivek Ramaswamy, collaborating with Musk on Trump’s non-governmental Department of Government Efficiency, acknowledged the flaws in the current H-1B system. He proposed reforms to prioritize selecting the “best of the best,” eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies, and reduce employer dependence, which can lead to exploitative practices.

Critics Call for Investment in American Workforce
On the opposing side, figures such as far-right activist Laura Loomer, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and strategist Steve Bannon criticized the program, asserting it prioritizes foreign workers over American citizens. Haley described the tech industry’s reliance on H-1B visas as “lazy” and urged businesses to invest in training the domestic workforce.

“MAGA is taking a page from Democrats on how to lose elections while feeling good about themselves,” Adams remarked, echoing sentiments from the far-right faction.

Musk faced additional backlash from conservatives who accused him of silencing dissent after several critics reported losing their blue verification badges on X following their comments on immigration policy.