Trump supports Elon Musk in the H-1B visa debate, stating he has always backed the program.

 WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Dec 28 (hauk news) – President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday expressed his support for the H-1B visa program, siding with prominent tech billionaire Elon Musk in a growing public debate over the program, which is opposed by some of Trump’s own supporters.

Trump’s comments came after a series of social media posts by Musk, the CEO of Tesla (TSLA.O) and SpaceX, who pledged late Friday to "go to war" to defend the program for foreign tech workers. Despite limiting the use of H-1B visas during his first term, Trump told The New York Post on Saturday that he now endorses the program.

"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," Trump said.

Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from South Africa, has personally held an H-1B visa, and his company, Tesla, secured 724 of the visas this year. H-1B visas typically last three years but can be extended or lead to green card applications.

The controversy began earlier this week when far-right activists criticized Trump’s choice of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, as an adviser on artificial intelligence. The critics claimed Krishnan's selection could influence immigration policies in favor of foreign workers.

Musk responded with a tweet aimed at Trump’s supporters and immigration hardliners, who have increasingly called for the H-1B program to be abolished. The debate highlights tensions over immigration policies, including the role of skilled foreign workers in the U.S. economy.

On Friday, Steve Bannon, a close Trump ally, criticized "big tech oligarchs" for supporting the H-1B program and described immigration as a threat to Western civilization. Musk and other tech leaders countered by distinguishing between legal immigration, which they support, and illegal immigration, which they oppose.

Trump has pledged to take a hardline stance on illegal immigration, promising mass deportations and measures to prioritize jobs for American citizens. However, his comments in support of H-1B visas suggest a more nuanced approach to legal immigration, especially in the tech sector.

The U.S. tech industry relies heavily on H-1B visas to fill specialized roles, but critics argue the program depresses wages for American workers. Musk, who has been an influential advisor during Trump’s presidential transition, has frequently posted about the lack of domestic talent to meet the needs of the U.S. tech industry.

The visa debate underscores the complex relationship between Trump’s administration and Silicon Valley leaders like Musk, who has reportedly spent over $250 million in support of Trump’s election campaign.