Prominent figures within President-elect Donald Trump’s circle, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have recently faced criticism from MAGA supporters over their positions on immigration policies like H-1B visas. This conflict has exposed deep divisions within the conservative movement, particularly regarding Trump’s picks for leadership roles and tech sector policies.
At the center of the controversy is the ongoing debate over H-1B visas and green card reforms. Tech leaders like Musk, Ramaswamy, and David Sacks have advocated for skilled immigration to support innovation and economic growth. However, this stance has drawn ire from MAGA hardliners, who view these policies as undermining American workers.
Far-right influencer Laura Loomer fueled the controversy with a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing Trump’s newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk and Ramaswamy are set to lead. “Is DOGE a way to ‘cut spending’ or redirect the spending toward the pet projects of tech bro billionaires? It’s looking like the latter,” Loomer wrote. She accused the department of catering to the interests of wealthy elites at the expense of ordinary Americans.
Loomer’s remarks resonated with some MAGA supporters. Social media reactions ranged from outright support for Loomer’s claims to cautionary calls for critical thinking. “Unconditional support for anyone isn’t patriotism; it’s brainwashing. Always question,” one user commented, while others expressed concern about the perceived direction of Trump’s administration.
Adding fuel to the fire, Nikki Haley, a prominent Republican figure, criticized Ramaswamy for his comments about American culture. Ramaswamy had previously argued that “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long,” sparking a backlash. Haley countered by defending American workers and emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic talent over foreign hires.
MAGA supporters also voiced disapproval of Sriram Krishnan’s nomination as AI Advisor, citing concerns about the increasing prominence of immigrant figures in leadership roles within the Trump administration. The announcement triggered a wave of criticism from conservative circles, further highlighting the divide.
This growing tension within MAGA reflects the challenges Trump’s administration faces in balancing nationalist sentiments with the globalized realities of the modern workforce, potentially setting the stage for continued internal conflict.