Elon Musk’s support for H-1B visas has ignited a firestorm among MAGA supporters, with critics like Steve Bannon warning that the program undermines American jobs. Musk’s recent defense of the visas, coupled with his fiery rhetoric, has further inflamed tensions within President Donald Trump’s coalition.
Musk has credited the H-1B program with helping to build Tesla and SpaceX, arguing it brings top talent to the U.S. However, critics allege Musk’s stance is financially motivated. By loosening restrictions, they claim companies like Tesla could hire cheaper foreign workers, forcing Americans to accept lower wages and benefits.
BANNON TO MUSK: Show us your H-1B data, show us that you haven't abused the system.
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) December 28, 2024
Steve Bannon took aim at Musk on his War Room podcast, calling him a “globalist” and accusing him of prioritizing profits over patriotism. “You need to honor this country … The citizens in this country are what provided the platform for you nerds to even exist,” Bannon said. He also accused Musk of being compromised by China, stating, “The Shanghai joint venture is 100% controlled by the CCP.”
Bannon says when Musk was cut off from govt subsidies “he went begging the CCP, that’s why they have the joint venture. This guy lives on govt contracts and taxpayer subsidies. You’re not even an American, all you are is a globalist. You would take a check from Adolph Hitler.” pic.twitter.com/7gXpCwlzAA
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) March 11, 2023
The controversy highlights growing divisions within Trump’s base. While Trump has praised H-1B visas as beneficial for U.S. businesses, Laura Loomer and others argue the program enables a “race to the bottom” in wages, eroding the middle class.
This may helphttps://t.co/jpXJsk2ZCw
— BRONZD (@DUMPSTER_JUNK_) December 28, 2024
Critics point to Musk’s business ties in regions with lower labor costs, such as China, as evidence of his preference for globalist policies. They argue these ties shape Musk’s advocacy for policies that benefit corporations over American workers.
Steve Bannon on Elon Musk: “You’re a war profiteer, you’re not an American nationalist, you’re not even an American, you are a globalist.” pic.twitter.com/zQPWoUPJI5
— Dominic Michael Tripi (@DMichaelTripi) December 29, 2024
Media liberals still can't comprehend that Trump supporters — whom they have relentlessly depicted as a blindly loyal leader-worshipping fascist cult — have actual ideological and policy differences they air.
It's Democrats who march in lockstep with virtually no dissent. pic.twitter.com/C925kSmLFP
— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) December 28, 2024
“@ElonMusk is a total and complete phony. He is owned – lock, stock, and barrel – by the Chinese Communist Party, and he acts like it.”
–Steve Bannon on @Timcast IRLpic.twitter.com/bInUdZ6Mh4 https://t.co/2LFmg8QUqe
— أبو عمّار (@MaajidNawaz) August 2, 2023