US President Donald Trump once again defended the H-1B visa programme on Wednesday, saying he “loves his conservative friends and MAGA” but believes skilled foreign workers are essential. Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, Trump pushed back against criticism from parts of his base.
He argued that major companies investing billions in facilities cannot “open a massive computer chip factory for billions and billions of dollars” and then “hire people off an unemployment line to run it,” noting that foreign experts often need to train American workers before returning home.
Despite backlash from some of his MAGA supporters, Trump reiterated his stance that high-skilled foreign workers are necessary. Addressing concerns within his own base, he said, “They just don’t understand,” acknowledging growing tensions with supporters who expect an uncompromising “America First” approach.
Expanding on his point, Trump said, “You can’t come in, open a massive computer chip factory for billions and billions of dollars like is being done in Arizona, and think you’re gonna hire people off an unemployment line to run it. They’re gonna have to bring thousands of people with them, and I’m gonna welcome those people. This is MAGA.”
He suggested some in his movement are being overly rigid about the need for high-skill immigration, repeating, “They just don’t understand.”
Trump added that specialised skills must be passed on before American workers can fully step into certain roles. “People have to be taught this is something they’ve never done. But we’re not going to be successful if we don’t allow people that invest billions of dollars in plants and equipment to bring a lot of their people from their country to get that plant open, operating, and working. I’m sorry.”
Trump has previously also shifted his tone on the H-1B visa, again expressing support for the programme and underscoring the importance of skilled foreign workers who can train US employees.
Defending his position, he said, “No, you don’t. You don’t have certain talents… You can’t take people off the unemployment line and expect them to operate advanced factories or make missiles.”
His comments come as some Republican leaders increase pressure on him to dismantle the programme.
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