President-elect Donald Trump has maintained a conspicuous silence on the heated debate within his Make America Great Again (MAGA) coalition over H-1B visas, even as the issue escalates into an online civil war. The dispute pits tech entrepreneurs and business leaders, who champion skilled foreign workers, against sections of Trump's base who argue the program undermines opportunities for American employees.
The controversy erupted after conservative activist Laura Loomer criticized Trump's appointment of Indian-born tech entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as senior policy adviser on artificial intelligence (AI). Loomer took issue with Krishnan's previous support for expanding skilled immigration, calling it "in direct opposition" to Trump's agenda.
Elon Musk, one of Trump's staunchest allies and a South Africa-born naturalized U.S. citizen, jumped to Krishnan's defense, emphasizing the importance of foreign talent in the U.S. workforce. "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 said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend."
Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk's partner in the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), echoed these sentiments, writing that American culture has "venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long."
While Trump has not commented directly on the debate, he suggested during a June interview on the All-In podcast that international students who graduate from American universities should be given green cards, stating, "If you graduate or you get a doctorate degree from a college, you should be able to stay in this country."
Trump's silence has left many in his base uncertain of his stance.
The visa row intensified Friday when Musk labeled a segment of Trump supporters as "contemptible fools," adding that they should be "removed from the Republican Party, root and stem." Musk clarified his comments by targeting those he described as "hateful, unrepentant racists," whom he argued could bring about the downfall of the Republican Party.
Loomer fired back, accusing Musk of hypocrisy. "@elonmusk has been a Republican for 5 minutes and now he wants to decide who gets to be a Republican," she wrote. "You said you were a free speech absolutist. If you are, let's please let all ideas flourish and we will let the best ideas win."
Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon added to the fray, mocking Musk's remarks by posting on Gettr, "Someone please notify 'Child Protective Services'- need to do a 'wellness check' on this toddler."
The H-1B visa program, designed to bring high-skilled professionals to the U.S., has long been a point of contention. While tech companies argue the program fills critical gaps in the U.S. labor market, critics claim it displaces American workers and drives down wages.
The MAGA movement's division over the program underscores a deeper rift within the Republican Party. Musk's backing of H-1B visas aligns him with the business-friendly wing, while figures like Loomer represent the more populist, anti-immigration faction.
Trump's upcoming inauguration on January 20 will likely force him to clarify his position on legal immigration. His earlier pledge to crack down on illegal immigration has broad support among his base, but navigating the complexities of legal immigration policies without alienating powerful constituencies presents a formidable challenge.
Observers expect Trump to address the visa issue soon, given its potential to further divide his coalition. Until then, the escalating rhetoric signals that the battle lines within MAGA are firmly drawn.
