Trump’s support for H1-B visas divides Republican base in what X dubbed ‘MAGA Civil War’

In a contentious development within the Republican Party, President-elect Donald Trump expressed support on Saturday for the H1-B visa program, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to enter the United States.

The remarks, made in an interview with the New York Post, come amid growing tensions between Trump’s traditional base and influential figures from Silicon Valley, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

“I’ve always liked the [H1-B] visas, I have always been in favor of the visas; that’s why we have them,” Trump said, noting their use at Trump-owned facilities.

The statement has added fuel to an ongoing debate within Trump’s circle, with immigration hardliners clashing with tech entrepreneurs who advocate for maintaining or expanding the program. Musk, who migrated from South Africa on an H1-B visa, has been particularly vocal, calling the program “essential for America to keep winning.”

The debate over H1-B visas has exposed a widening divide between Trump’s long-standing supporters and his new allies in the tech industry, such as Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate and co-chair of Trump’s government cost-cutting panel.

U.S big tech bros vs. GOP hardliners

Musk has championed the visa program, citing a lack of sufficient domestic talent for high-skilled positions in the tech industry. “The expertise U.S. companies need simply does not exist in America in sufficient quantity,” Musk said last week on X, the platform he owns.

Ramaswamy echoed Musk’s concerns, blaming “American culture” for fostering mediocrity. He argued that the United States risks losing its competitive edge against China unless it prioritizes elite global talent.

These statements have provoked backlash from Trump loyalists, including far-right activist Laura Loomer. Known for her staunch “America First” stance, Loomer criticized Trump’s alignment with tech leaders, accusing Musk and others of undermining American workers. “We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats,” she said.

Warnings of a “MAGA Civil War” on X

The debate has escalated into a broader conflict within Trump’s base, with Musk warning of a “MAGA civil war” on X. In a heated exchange, Musk swore at critics and pledged to “go to war” over the visa issue. This drew condemnation from Trump strategist Steve Bannon, who referred to Musk as a “toddler” and criticized the H1-B program for creating “indentured servants” willing to work for lower wages.

Adding to the turmoil, Loomer accused Musk of using his financial support for Trump’s campaign—estimated at $250 million—to push a pro-immigration agenda. “Elon wants everyone to think he’s a hero because he gave $250 million to the Trump campaign. But that’s not much of an investment if it allows him to become a trillionaire,” Loomer said.

Trump’s comments have raised questions about how his administration will navigate immigration policy once he takes office in January. During his campaign, Trump championed sharp curbs on immigration, pledging to deport undocumented immigrants and limit legal pathways into the U.S.

However, his apparent openness to skilled foreign workers suggests potential shifts in approach, particularly as tech leaders gain influence within his transition team. Musk and other industry figures have been actively advising Trump on policy and staffing decisions, raising concerns among his base about their sway over his administration.

For now, it remains unclear whether Trump’s support for the H1-B program will bridge or deepen divisions among his supporters. As the debate unfolds, it highlights the complex challenges of balancing populist promises with the demands of a competitive, globalized economy.