Elon Musk’s endorsement of H-1B visas has sparked sharp criticism from MAGA activists, who accuse him of prioritizing corporate profits over the livelihoods of American workers. Musk, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, defends the program as essential for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in technology. Critics, however, argue it’s a strategy to cut labor costs.
This is the right position for those who want America to win.
For those who want America to lose for their own personal gain, I have no respect. Zero. https://t.co/2WxAjZzDfW
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 27, 2024
What about native born Americans who worked like hell and slave away to work hard everyday? Do you respect us native born Americans too?
We feel very disrespected. @elonmusk
Let’s regroup, Elon. This has been destructive. Let’s regroup and talk about this civilly. Let’s talk. https://t.co/KDUtFTad4p
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
Quite the change of tune.
Wonder if he got “the call”. pic.twitter.com/o1Gp8dNYyo
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
The controversy escalated when Musk supported Sriram Krishnan, a Trump advisor pushing for fewer restrictions on green cards. Laura Loomer, a prominent MAGA figure, called out Musk for undermining the movement’s core focus on reducing both legal and illegal immigration. Loomer alleges that Musk retaliated against her criticism by removing her verification on X.
.@elonmusk why are you labeling 75% of the replies on my account as “probable spam”?
This is an abuse of power & everyone in MAGA needs to call this behavior out. This is not what we voted for. This is totalitarian censorship and retaliatory behavior over protected free speech. https://t.co/cu6fpthOyl pic.twitter.com/zSyTxym9Ow
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024
This may helphttps://t.co/jpXJsk2ZCw
— BRONZD (@DUMPSTER_JUNK_) December 28, 2024
American workers need to come first before foreign labor.
America is our home not a motel.
— Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) December 28, 2024
Opponents of H-1B visas argue the program allows corporations to sideline American workers in favor of cheaper foreign labor. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon criticized Musk, claiming his stance weakens the middle class by driving down wages in high-demand industries.
America is a nation of immigrants.
As long as they love this country, work hard, and want to protect our Constitution there should be no problem.
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) December 27, 2024
You aren’t American. This country is nothing but an economic zone to you. You don’t have any ancestoral ties to America and it shows. And YOU don’t get to dictate who stays in the Republican Party.
— pnw Bae 🌲 🌙 (@RaquelWelchh) December 28, 2024
This is a great statement that I agree with
But American workers must come first before foreign workers.
There may be times where brilliant foreigners are a great asset to our country which is good but we mainly need to work on building up our own people.
— Philip Anderson (@VoteHarrisOut) December 27, 2024
Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, heavily rely on international talent. Critics see this as evidence that the billionaire’s immigration views are influenced by corporate interests rather than a commitment to American workers. The reliance on foreign labor, they argue, creates a system that favors business elites at the expense of domestic employment.
Strange…Neither the Founders nor the Inheritors of this Great Nation agree with you.
I would say the authority to decide what America is, lies in our hands not your bank account, sir. pic.twitter.com/IuLpvH7dGw
— Kenneth Jackson (@KJackson012012) December 28, 2024
The land of opportunity FOR AMERICANS, Elon!.
America is not the world.
Choose your merit among your American family or you’re not America First.
We became the Land of Opportunity by putting AMERICANS FIRST.
— Lisa Thelander (@BillKristhole) December 28, 2024
Your seeming unwillingness to acknowledge the H-1B Visa has been abused is troubling. There is an obvious distinction between wanting top talent and wanting cheap entry level labor. You seem to be avoiding that distinction.
— Toobuff (@toobuff) December 27, 2024
Public debates on social media reveal deep divides. Supporters praise Musk for championing innovation, but opponents believe his policies contribute to wage suppression and job displacement for U.S. workers. Many within the MAGA movement see this as a betrayal of the America First agenda.
Absolutely.
It’s about excellence. Not race or nationality.
Only the bums and sluggards and racists are complaining.
But to be fair, we should not let anyone in who is a criminal or otherwise contributes nothing and only takes from us. The same can be said for those who…
— Dr. C (@OG_DrC) December 27, 2024
They are trying to convince you that giving our jobs to foreigners is good for America because they can pay these people less. They’re trying to take money from you and your family.
Don't fall for their psyop.
— Anthony Holt (@HoltSupremacy) December 28, 2024
The U.S. Census Bureau has noted a decline in median wages for tech-related jobs despite the industry’s growth, raising concerns about wage parity.