Trump backs Musk on H-1B Visas: declares this ‘a great programme’

Trump shifts stance, backing H-1B visas after restricting them in office, previously criticising them as anti-US jobs

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his support for H-1B visas, aligning himself with tech billionaire Elon Musk in an ongoing debate within his own political base. Speaking to The Post on Saturday, Mr Trump said he has long been an advocate for the visa programme, which enables US companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers.

“I’ve always liked the visas. I have always been in favour of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Mr Trump said during a phone interview. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great programme,” he added.

The comments mark a notable shift for Mr Trump, who during his first administration restricted access to foreign worker visas and criticised such programmes as undermining US workers.

Mr Trump’s remarks come amid heightened debate on the issue, spurred by Mr Musk and other technology leaders calling for the expansion of H-1B visas. Proponents argue the programme is vital for ensuring American companies can secure top-tier talent, especially in fields where domestic expertise may be lacking.

“America must attract the top 0.1% of engineering talent to remain competitive,” Mr Musk wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He emphasised that this level of expertise is essential to “keep America winning.”

Divisions within the MAGA base

While tech industry leaders, including Mr Musk, advocate for the programme, MAGA hardliners within Mr Trump’s base have demanded tougher restrictions on immigration. They argue that a focus on promoting US workers should take precedence.

Mr Musk’s impassioned defence of the H-1B visa programme turned combative last week when he clashed with critics on X. Responding to Steven Mackey, who mocked his stance by referencing one of Mr Musk’s own phrases—“Stop trying to optimise something that shouldn’t exist”—the Tesla and SpaceX CEO fired back, “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 H1B.”

Mr Musk’s stance has garnered support from Vivek Ramaswamy, who is expected to head the Department of Government Efficiency under Mr Trump’s administration. Mr Ramaswamy also critiqued US culture, writing on X: “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence.”

Musk’s ‘war’ of words

The debate intensified when Mr Musk vowed to go to “war” over the issue, responding bluntly to a critic, telling them to “go f*** yourself.” This robust defence underscores the stakes, with Mr Musk arguing that the programme is indispensable for sustaining America’s technological and economic edge.

Supporters of Mr Musk and the H-1B visa programme view it as a crucial means to fill gaps in the US labour market, particularly in specialised roles. However, critics within Mr Trump’s circle are pressing him to prioritise his earlier promises to bolster employment opportunities for US citizens.