Willing to Face MAGA Backlash, Trump Backs Foreign Workers Amid H-1B Visa Controversy

In a significant shift that has ignited frustration among his core supporters, President Donald Trump has defended the urgent need for qualified foreign professionals under the H-1B Visa program. Speaking at the US–Saudi Investment Forum, Trump emphasized that America must rely on global expertise to advance its digital and semiconductor industries. According to him, foreign workers are essential to “teach our people” how to manufacture “computer chips and other things” at the scale demanded by global competition.

Trump’s outspoken support for skilled foreign labor-despite simultaneous efforts by his administration to tighten H-1B visa policies-has intensified criticism from MAGA loyalists. They argue that the President is drifting from his long-promised “America First” doctrine. Meanwhile, Indian tech professionals, who form the bulk of H-1B applicants, are expected to welcome Trump’s recalibrated stand with optimism.

Fully aware of the rising discontent among conservatives, Trump attempted to explain how specialized foreign talent aligns with his national agenda without compromising American workers’ interests.

“You can’t open a massive computer chip factory worth billions of dollars-like the one in Arizona-and expect to hire people straight off the unemployment line,” Trump asserted. “They will need to bring thousands of skilled workers with them, and I’m going to welcome those people.”

The high-profile event also saw attendance from influential business leaders including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, underscoring the global significance of the discussion.

“I adore MAGA, but this is still MAGA.”

Trump’s latest remarks come days after he acknowledged that the United States lacks workers with certain specialized skills required to operate advanced manufacturing and semiconductor facilities.

“You come here and immediately realize we don’t have people who have done that before,” Trump elaborated, reiterating his earlier message. “We want companies to bring people who can open these plants. If necessary, we will let you bring them in-because we want them to teach our people how to make computer chips and other complex technologies.”

The US President admitted he expects to “take a little heat” from conservative supporters for softening his stance on foreign workers, especially as his broader agenda remains firmly focused on curbing illegal immigration.

“I might take some heat-my people usually give me some heat,” Trump joked. “I love my conservative friends. I adore MAGA. But this is MAGA. Bringing in experts to teach Americans how to build chips is the real America First.”

H-1B VISAS: TRUMP’S POLICY REVERSAL?

Just last week, during an interview with Fox News, Trump defended the need for H-1B visas, insisting that America must “bring in talent” to remain competitive. His comments came despite strong objections from hardline MAGA figures who claim the US has enough skilled workers already.

“We don’t have certain talents, and people must learn,” Trump said, countering the Fox host’s argument that American talent is in abundance. His statement reignited debate over whether Trump is shifting away from his earlier tough stance on foreign work visas.

The H-1B visa, which allows US companies to employ highly skilled foreign workers for up to six years, continues to be dominated by Indian professionals-who account for nearly 73% of total visa holders. As demand for advanced tech workers grows, the visa has become even more critical to the US innovation ecosystem.

However, several Republicans and close Trump allies have openly opposed the program in recent months. Adding to the controversy, the Trump administration recently hiked the H-1B visa application fee to a staggering $100,000, raising further questions about the administration’s long-term stance on foreign skilled labor.