President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for H-1B visas on Saturday, aligning with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk in a heated debate within conservative circles over immigration policies for highly skilled workers.
“I’ve always liked the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump said in a phone interview with *The Post*, referring to the H-1B program, which allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized fields.
“I have many H-1B visas on my properties,” Trump added. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”
This position contrasts with his first administration, during which he imposed restrictions on foreign worker visas and criticized the program.
Musk, along with other tech leaders, has championed the H-1B program as essential for securing top-tier talent and maintaining America’s competitive edge in technology and innovation. “The reason I’m in America, along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and other companies, is because of H-1B,” Musk wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
His fiery defense came after critics, including MAGA hardliners, argued for stricter immigration policies. Musk pledged to “go to war” on the issue, emphasizing that America must attract the top 0.1% of global engineering talent to remain competitive.
Prominent MAGA figures, including Laura Loomer and Ann Coulter, have called for tighter controls on the H-1B program, accusing it of being abused at the expense of American workers. Steve Bannon, a former White House counselor, criticized Musk’s passionate defense, suggesting it lacked maturity.
Vivek Ramaswamy, slated to lead the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s administration, sided with Musk, critiquing American culture for valuing mediocrity over excellence. “To keep winning, America must embrace a culture of excellence,” Ramaswamy said on X.
Trump’s comments highlight an emerging divide within conservative circles over immigration policy, particularly as it pertains to highly skilled labor. While Musk and Trump advocate for the program’s benefits, others in the MAGA movement push for stricter policies to prioritize American workers.
