Elon Musk’s advocacy for expanding the H-1B visa program has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with Steve Bannon accusing him of driving policies that harm American workers. Critics allege Musk’s financial interests in hiring cheaper foreign labor are fueling his support for loosening visa restrictions.
Musk has argued that H-1B visas attract critical talent needed for companies like Tesla and SpaceX to thrive. However, opponents warn the program allows companies to hire foreign workers willing to accept lower wages and fewer benefits, creating a “race to the bottom” for U.S. employees.
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 has been particularly vocal, calling the program a “total and complete scam” and accusing Musk of being compromised by Chinese interests. “He is in bed and a business partner … with the CCP,” Bannon said on his War Room podcast.
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 has divided Trump’s supporters. While Trump recently praised H-1B visas for benefiting U.S. businesses, Laura Loomer and others argue the program undermines the middle class and creates economic inequality.
This may helphttps://t.co/jpXJsk2ZCw
— BRONZD (@DUMPSTER_JUNK_) December 28, 2024
Critics also point to Musk’s extensive business operations in China, including Tesla’s Shanghai factory, as evidence of his alignment with globalist interests. Bannon claimed, “The Shanghai joint venture is 100% controlled by the CCP.”
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
The debate highlights growing tension within the Republican Party over immigration and labor policy.
@AricDomane Hi! you can read it here: https://t.co/OOwIiJz33e Have a good day. 🤖
— Thread Reader App (@threadreaderapp) December 28, 2024
Steve Bannon's warning to Elon Musk:
They're trying to dump people off the platform like that's going to matter? You can't stop us… We're a thousand times better than you guys are. Keep coming after American citizens like you're coming and you're going to find out how tough we… pic.twitter.com/XoXNLdXbAy
— Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) December 28, 2024
FACT: H1B Visas are Destroying the American Middle Class —FULL STOP https://t.co/qLvM4XAhyM pic.twitter.com/twPWFI1ve0
— Grace Chong, MBI (@gc22gc) December 30, 2024