Did Trump wash his hands off from Elon Musk’s views on immigration?

Elon Musk’s stance on immigration has sparked outrage among supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump. The conflict centers around Musk's advocacy for merit-based immigration reform, which Trump’s base, largely committed to an anti-immigration agenda, finds troubling.

The controversy erupted after the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-origin venture capitalist, to lead AI policy in the incoming Trump administration. Krishnan has previously supported removing country caps on green cards for skilled immigrants, a position that was met with backlash. Laura Loomer, a far-right commentator, called Krishnan’s appointment “deeply disturbing,” triggering a heated debate on social media over immigration policies.

Elon Musk’s Immigration Remarks

Elon Musk, who himself entered the U.S. on an H-1B visa, emphasized the importance of attracting global talent to sustain the country’s technological and economic leadership. On social media, he stated, “If you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.”

Vivek Ramaswamy's Immigration Views

Vivek Ramaswamy, who has been appointed co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s administration, echoed Musk’s sentiments, arguing that the U.S. should shift its focus to attracting skilled immigrants. He criticized the country’s current culture, which he said, “celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ,” claiming this system undermines the development of the best engineers.

Trump Supporters Respond

Prominent Trump allies, including Lara Loomer, Ann Coulter, and former Congressman Matt Gaetz, accused Musk and Ramaswamy of undermining American workers. Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, argued that the U.S. should prioritize investing in American talent. “There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture,” she stated.

The debate over immigration and its implications for U.S. workers continues to divide the political spectrum as Musk’s views clash with the more protectionist stance held by many of Trump’s supporters.