Elon Musk’s fiery defence of the H-1B visa program on Friday night has escalated an internal conflict within the MAGA movement, pitting techno-libertarian elites against traditional Trump loyalists. Musk labelled opponents of the program, which facilitates foreign tech workers in the U.S., as “hateful, unrepentant racists” and vowed to wage a “war” to protect the initiative.
- Rift in MAGA World:
- Musk’s comments come amid a growing conflict between Trump’s Silicon Valley allies and his anti-immigration base.
- The feud intensified following backlash over Trump’s appointment of Indian-born venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as his AI advisor.
- Musk’s Stance:
- Musk defended the H-1B program as essential to American innovation, calling critics “contemptible fools” and warning of dire consequences for the Republican Party if racism persists.
- In an all-caps post, Musk declared his willingness to “fight to [his] last drop of blood” to maintain a meritocratic system in the U.S.
- Reaction from MAGA Base:
- Right-wing figures, including Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon, condemned Musk’s remarks, accusing him of betraying American workers.
- Trump’s allies, such as Public Square CEO Michael Seifert, have openly criticized the H-1B program, claiming it harms domestic labor.
- Trump’s Silence:
- President-elect Trump has not commented directly on the conflict.
- However, key figures in his circle, including Donald Trump Jr. and Bannon, have amplified anti-H-1B sentiments.
Broader Implications
The debate highlights a fundamental tension between Trump’s immigration crackdown and the dependency of his tech-industry supporters on foreign talent. The H-1B program remains a cornerstone of America’s high-skilled workforce, but this internal strife threatens to disrupt Trump’s coalition just weeks before he assumes office.
