Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding immigrant workers in the US have stirred up controversy among his supporters, who claim his remarks contradict the ‘America First’ ideology.
Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce illegal immigration through mass deportations, the president appears to have a more nuanced view when it comes to the benefits that foreign workers can bring to the United States.
During an interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox News on Monday (November 10), Trump stated that for the US economy to prosper, it needs to ‘bring in talent,’ which includes individuals participating in the H-1B specialist visa program.
When Ingraham suggested that America already has its own pool of talented individuals, Trump countered this assertion.
“No you don’t,” he stated. “You don’t have certain talents, and people have to learn. You can’t take people off an unemployment line and say, ‘I’m going to put you into a factory and we’re going to make missiles’.”
This comment has sparked outrage online.
“This is insane—we are going to lose the mid-terms so badly,” Anthony Sabatini, a MAGA commissioner in Florida, wrote on X.
“We’ve never seen an administration crash & burn in its first year so badly—for no reason other than to appease donors & special interests.”
“Trump broke everyone’s heart with this line about the American workforce and H-1B’s,” commentator Mike Cernovich added.
There was also criticism directed at the suggestion of utilizing the H-1B visa program, which is particularly popular in the tech industry.
“Americans train their H1B replacements everyday,” one user commented.
“The opposite can also happen. H1B can train their American replacement. Tell @realDonaldTrump America First means #AMERICANSFIRST.”
However, some individuals did support his perspective.
“You can be America First and also recognize there may be times that you can import talent from other countries that makes America stronger,” Scott Jennings mentioned in a CNN panel discussion the next day. “We’ve done that for decades.”
Another person commented online: “This is the most sane thing he’s ever said. People need to realize intelligence doesn’t know borders, so if you want the best, you need to go look for it.”
One more user added: “We have an entire generation that cannot read, perform basic mathematics, have a basic understanding of biology, nor even a firm grasp of reality.
“Who here thinks they will be a net positive on the nation? Reminder, this is a group who thinks they should be making $25 per hour making coffee and demand tips.”
The White House has been contacted for comment.