A recent public exchange between Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy on social media has ignited a debate within President-elect Donald Trump’s base over the future of the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers.
Musk and Ramaswamy, both prominent figures in the tech world, have argued that expanding the program is essential for keeping the U.S. competitive, particularly in the tech sector.
However, their comments have clashed with the views of many of Trump’s most loyal supporters, who see expanding such visas as counter to the administration’s stricter immigration policies.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Ramaswamy, a tech entrepreneur and Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, defended companies that rely on foreign workers, particularly in engineering and technology fields.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk made a comparison between U.S. tech companies and professional sports teams, stating that to remain competitive, America needs to recruit the best talent from around the world.
“If you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be,” Musk wrote. “This enables the whole TEAM to win.”
Ramaswamy, a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from India, echoed Musk’s sentiments, arguing that tech companies hire foreign-born engineers because U.S. culture has become too focused on mediocrity rather than excellence.
He criticized the American emphasis on achievements like popularity contests or athleticism, pointing to TV sitcoms from the ‘90s, such as Boy Meets World and Saved by the Bell, as examples of how American culture devalues intellectual achievement in favor of other qualities.
While Musk and Ramaswamy’s arguments found favor with some, including a few Democrats, their stance has sparked backlash from Trump’s base.
Far-right figures like Laura Loomer, Ann Coulter, and former Representative Matt Gaetz have criticized the two men, accusing them of pushing a pro-immigration agenda that contradicts Trump’s promises to curb foreign labor in favor of American workers.
Gaetz expressed frustration on social media, suggesting that while Musk and Ramaswamy may have supported Trump on other issues, they should not influence immigration policy.
He emphasized that the appeal of the tech entrepreneurs to conservatives was based on their opposition to the “Biden/Harris economic decline,” not their stance on immigration.
The issue has also drawn criticism from former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who responded to Ramaswamy’s remarks by reaffirming her support for American workers over foreign workers.
“There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture,” Haley said, stressing the importance of prioritizing the needs of U.S. citizens in the workforce.
Despite the backlash, Musk and Ramaswamy’s position has garnered some support outside of Trump’s core base, particularly from Democrats like Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who applauded their recognition of the value of immigrant entrepreneurs.
Polis noted that immigrant-run companies create jobs in the U.S. economy, benefiting American workers in various sectors.
The H-1B visa program has long been a topic of contention in U.S. immigration policy. The program allows 65,000 highly skilled workers to come to the U.S. each year, with an additional 20,000 visas granted to those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
Critics argue that it displaces American workers, while proponents, including many in the tech industry, claim it is necessary to remain globally competitive and to fill specialized labor gaps.
Trump, who has previously opposed the H-1B program, even restricting access during his first term, has signaled some flexibility on the issue in recent months.
During his 2024 campaign, he suggested that foreign-born graduates of U.S. universities should be granted legal status automatically. In a podcast interview, Trump said he believes foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges should receive a green card as part of their diploma.
The controversy surrounding Musk and Ramaswamy’s comments highlights a growing divide over immigration policy within the Republican Party, with some factions pushing for a more restrictive approach while others see the value in expanding opportunities for highly skilled foreign workers.
As the incoming administration takes shape, this debate is likely to continue shaping the future of U.S. immigration and labor policy.
Trump, for his part, has rejected the idea that Musk is steering his policy agenda, insisting at a recent gathering in Arizona that he values “smart people” but is ultimately in charge.
“No, he’s not taking the presidency. I like having smart people,” Trump said, pushing back against what he called the new Democratic narrative that Musk is dictating his policy decisions.
