A rift has emerged within Donald Trump's support base regarding the H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign workers to temporarily reside in the U.S. This division pits far-right figures advocating for strict immigration policies against tech leaders who champion the program as a means of filling critical skills gaps. The debate intensified after Trump seemingly reversed his previous opposition to H-1B visas, causing confusion among his followers.
The internal conflict gained traction as prominent voices on the far right, including Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon, pushed for tighter immigration controls. They argue for an "America First" approach that prioritizes domestic workers, contrasting sharply with figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who highlight the need for H-1B visas to secure talent in the tech sector. These contrasting viewpoints set the stage for a public debate over the best approach to immigration policy.
Adding to the complexity, President-elect Trump recently voiced his support for the H-1B program, citing his past experience employing workers with such visas. This stance marks a significant shift from his earlier positions and has left some of his core supporters bewildered and critical of this change.
The situation created a delicate situation for Fox News, as they tried to navigate the conflicting opinions among Trump's supporters. During a discussion, Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts acknowledged the confusion resulting from Trump's stance. They attempted to reconcile the President-elect’s support for skilled worker visas with the concerns of those who believe such programs undermine domestic employment.
Co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy highlighted the confusion, while colleague Charlie Hurt argued that the program should not be abused to obtain cheaper labor. Will Cain, another co-host, emphasized the importance of prioritizing American workers. Campos-Duffy also proposed limiting the visa program could lead to better wages for American tech workers, potentially impacting the tech industry.
Not everyone was diplomatic as Steve Bannon criticized Fox News, stating that media outlets should “Choose a Side” and not be neutral on the issue, claiming the choice is between “American Citizen Workers” and “Globalist Elitist Tech Oligarchs.” This statement further illustrates the deepening schism within the MAGA movement.
