Elon Musk’s vocal defense of the H-1B visa program has reignited debate over its impact on American workers. Critics allege Musk’s push to expand the program is driven by financial interests, with policies that could harm middle-class wages and benefits.
Musk recently defended the visa program as essential for innovation, citing its role in building companies like Tesla and SpaceX. However, critics warn that loosening restrictions would enable companies to hire less expensive foreign workers, forcing Americans to compete in a “race to the bottom.”
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 a leading voice against Musk’s stance, calling the H-1B program a “scam.” Speaking on his War Room podcast, Bannon accused Musk of being a “phony” and a “war profiteer,” claiming Tesla’s operations in China reflect his loyalty to globalist interests. “He is in bed and a business partner … with the CCP,” Bannon said.
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 debate has exposed deep divides within Trump’s coalition. While Trump recently expressed support for the program, Laura Loomer and other MAGA figures have criticized Musk’s influence, warning it could derail Trump’s nationalist agenda.
This may helphttps://t.co/jpXJsk2ZCw
— BRONZD (@DUMPSTER_JUNK_) December 28, 2024
Critics also point to Musk’s Shanghai joint venture as evidence of his alignment with Chinese interests. Bannon claimed the venture is “100% controlled by the CCP,” accusing Musk of compromising American values for financial gain.
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