Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy Clash with Trump Supporters Over H-1B Visa Debate

The H-1B visa program, designed to bring skilled foreign workers to the United States, has become the center of a heated political debate, with tech billionaire Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy clashing with supporters of Donald Trump.

Both Musk and Ramaswamy, poised to join the incoming Trump administration, have defended the visa program while calling for significant reforms. Their stance has sparked a backlash from some of Trump’s supporters, who argue that the system undermines American workers.

Musk’s Call for Reform

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the social media platform he owns, Musk described the H-1B system as "broken" and in need of "major reform." He proposed raising the minimum salary for H-1B workers and introducing an annual cost for companies employing them, aiming to make hiring foreign talent "materially more expensive than domestic hiring."

Having himself migrated to the U.S. on an H-1B visa from South Africa, Musk has consistently emphasized the importance of attracting elite engineering talent from abroad. "Bringing top talent from overseas is essential for America to keep winning," he stated last week.

Ramaswamy’s Take

Vivek Ramaswamy, the son of Indian immigrants, echoed Musk’s sentiments. In a post on X, he criticized the U.S. culture for celebrating "mediocrity over excellence," suggesting it impacts the nation's ability to nurture top-tier talent.

Trump Supporters Push Back

The debate intensified after Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan was named an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in Trump’s incoming administration. Critics, including right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, accused Musk and Ramaswamy of prioritizing foreign workers over Americans.

Loomer, along with figures like Ann Coulter and former Congressman Matt Gaetz, criticized Trump’s selection of Krishnan, labeling him an "India First" operative whose goal was to "replace American workers."

Musk responded to these accusations with strong language, warning of a "MAGA civil war" and declaring, "I will go to war on this issue."

Trump’s Position on H-1B Visas

Despite the backlash from some supporters, Donald Trump has publicly backed the H-1B visa program. Speaking to The New York Post, Trump said, "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 program."

Trump, who restricted the use of H-1B visas during his first term, now aligns with Musk and Ramaswamy’s position, adding another layer to the ongoing debate.

As discussions on immigration policy and the H-1B program escalate, the issue continues to polarize the political and tech communities alike.