I was wondering how long it would take for Musk to trigger backlash. We have our answer.

Hmm. Trump tried to buy union support with pro-union statements and largely succeeded by making huge inroads in traditionally Democrat voting patterns.

But instead of quietly working behind the scenes to get what he wants, Musk made a big issue of H-1Bs by announcing:

“I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly understand. Take a big step back and F*CK Yourself in the face.“

Just lovely.

Actually, I do understand. It’s obvious. Musk is worth billions and he will use those billions to buy influence, which is why he is the influence peddler that he is now.

Problems for Musk

• With that Tweet, Musk proved who he is (a crude, powerful, arrogant bully), and who he really stands for (himself).
• Musk went beyond his mission of cost cutting and its not the first time. Musk also interjected himself into Trump’s appointments, nearly costing Scott Bessent the nomination for Secretary of Treasury.

Musk jumped from supporting Democrats to support of Trump, because Trump was easier to buy.

Donald Trump Shares View on H-1B Visas Amid MAGA Civil War

Newsweek reports Donald Trump Shares View on H-1B Visas Amid MAGA Civil War

President-elect Donald Trump told The New York Post on Saturday that he supports H-1B visas, weighing in on a key issue that has caused a significant rift within his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

“I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump told The Post in a phone interview on Saturday. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program,” he said.

The affirmative answer from the MAGA base’s leader could potentially quell the online civil war that has erupted between those in business who believe skilled legal migration boosts the U.S. economy and those of his supporters who think it takes place at the expense of American workers. Prominent MAGA influencers, such as podcaster Steve Bannon and far-right commentator Laura Loomer, have come out strongly against the visas.

Meanwhile, Trump suggested during an interview on the All-In podcast in June that international students graduating from American universities should be given green cards.

“If you graduate or you get a doctorate degree from a college, you should be able to stay in this country,” he said.

Prior Trump Policy

On November 10, a Forbes article said Past H-1B Visa Policies Predict Donald Trump’s Immigration Policy

As president, Donald Trump did not enact any measures to increase access to H-1B visas and high-skilled immigrants, and a second term will likely be similar. 

The Trump administration published a restrictive H-1B rule in 2020. A judge blocked the rule for violating the Administrative Procedure Act. Trump officials attempted to publish part of the rule again before leaving office but ran out of time.

The rule included numerous provisions to prevent companies from employing foreign-born scientists and engineers, such as changing who and what positions could qualify for an H-1B specialty occupation.

Trumpian Definition of Always

Now Trump says “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas.“

Yes indeed. To Trump “always” means “right now”, not yesterday or tomorrow.

And most of Trump supporters will believe that for the simple reason they believe everything he says.

Needless Battle

No matter where you stand on the issue (I am in favor of skilled immigration as needed), the Tweet from Musk ensures the issue will not go away.

This is what happens when you have a big mouth and make a big stink in a particularly offensive way.

From the point of view of Trump, this feud was best fought behind the scenes because much of the MAGA base is not open to more immigration even in cases where it makes sense.

Can DOGE Cut $2 Trillion Out of $1 Trillion?

In case you missed it, please see Can DOGE Cut $2 Trillion Out of $1 Trillion? What About Revenue?

The answer to the first question is obvious. So let’s discuss what’s reasonable.

What Would You Do to Balance the Budget?

Unlike DOGE and Trump, I did balance the budget in my proposals.

For discussion, please see An Interactive Exercise: What Would You Do to Balance the Budget?

MAGA fans are going to soon see Trump back down on deportations and on balancing the budget.

This Musk episode is round 2 on MAGA infighting. Expect more, because its coming.

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