Elon Musk’s promotion of H-1B visas has drawn fierce criticism from MAGA activists, who argue the program harms American workers by reducing wages and job opportunities. Musk, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, defends the visas as critical for attracting top global talent, but critics say they create unfair competition in the labor market.
This is the right position for those who want America to win.
For those who want America to lose for their own personal gain, I have no respect. Zero. https://t.co/2WxAjZzDfW
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 27, 2024
What about native born Americans who worked like hell and slave away to work hard everyday? Do you respect us native born Americans too?
We feel very disrespected. @elonmusk
Let’s regroup, Elon. This has been destructive. Let’s regroup and talk about this civilly. Let’s talk. https://t.co/KDUtFTad4p
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
Quite the change of tune.
Wonder if he got “the call”. pic.twitter.com/o1Gp8dNYyo
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
Musk’s defense of Sriram Krishnan, a Trump advisor supporting green card reform, has been a flashpoint. Laura Loomer has accused Musk of betraying MAGA principles, suggesting his advocacy reflects corporate interests rather than concern for workers. Loomer has also alleged retaliation by Musk, claiming her X verification was revoked following her criticism.
.@elonmusk why are you labeling 75% of the replies on my account as “probable spam”?
This is an abuse of power & everyone in MAGA needs to call this behavior out. This is not what we voted for. This is totalitarian censorship and retaliatory behavior over protected free speech. https://t.co/cu6fpthOyl pic.twitter.com/zSyTxym9Ow
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
This may helphttps://t.co/jpXJsk2ZCw
— BRONZD (@DUMPSTER_JUNK_) December 28, 2024
American workers need to come first before foreign labor.
America is our home not a motel.
— Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) December 28, 2024
Opponents argue that programs like H-1B benefit large corporations seeking to cut costs by hiring cheaper foreign labor. Critics point to wage stagnation in tech industries as evidence that these policies harm American workers. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon has also weighed in, accusing Musk of undermining the middle class.
America is a nation of immigrants.
As long as they love this country, work hard, and want to protect our Constitution there should be no problem.
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) December 27, 2024
You aren’t American. This country is nothing but an economic zone to you. You don’t have any ancestoral ties to America and it shows. And YOU don’t get to dictate who stays in the Republican Party.
— pnw Bae 🌲 🌙 (@RaquelWelchh) December 28, 2024
This is a great statement that I agree with
But American workers must come first before foreign workers.
There may be times where brilliant foreigners are a great asset to our country which is good but we mainly need to work on building up our own people.
— Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) December 27, 2024
Musk’s reliance on international talent at Tesla and SpaceX has further fueled criticism. MAGA supporters argue that prioritizing foreign workers over domestic hires is inconsistent with the movement’s America First platform. This divide has highlighted deeper tensions within the Republican Party over immigration policy.
Strange…Neither the Founders nor the Inheritors of this Great Nation agree with you.
I would say the authority to decide what America is, lies in our hands not your bank account, sir. pic.twitter.com/IuLpvH7dGw
— Kenneth Jackson (@KJackson012012) December 28, 2024
The land of opportunity FOR AMERICANS, Elon!.
America is not the world.
Choose your merit among your American family or you’re not America First.
We became the Land of Opportunity by putting AMERICANS FIRST.
— Lisa Thelander (@BillKristhole) December 28, 2024
Your seeming unwillingness to acknowledge the H-1B Visa has been abused is troubling. There is an obvious distinction between wanting top talent and wanting cheap entry level labor. You seem to be avoiding that distinction.
— Toobuff (@toobuff) December 27, 2024
Social media reactions reflect the polarization, with supporters claiming skilled immigration is necessary for technological progress while opponents see it as a betrayal of American workers. The debate underscores a growing rift between corporate priorities and nationalist ideals within Trump’s coalition.
Absolutely.
It’s about excellence. Not race or nationality.
Only the bums and sluggards and racists are complaining.
But to be fair, we should not let anyone in who is a criminal or otherwise contributes nothing and only takes from us. The same can be said for those who…
— Dr. C (@OG_DrC) December 27, 2024
They are trying to convince you that giving our jobs to foreigners is good for America because they can pay these people less. They’re trying to take money from you and your family.
Don't fall for their psyop.
— Anthony Holt (@HoltSupremacy) December 28, 2024
The Department of Labor has reported that companies using H-1B visas often pay lower wages than the industry average, adding to concerns about wage suppression.
