Elon Musk fired off an expletive-laden response to anti-immigrant critics on X (formerly Twitter), intensifying the ongoing clash within MAGA circles over the H1-B visa program. The billionaire tech mogul, known for his bluntness, lashed out at detractors, labeling some Trump supporters as “contemptible fools” and delivering an explosive retort: “Take a big step back and F*** YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.”
The controversy erupted after Musk defended his support for the H1-B visa program, a policy that allows skilled foreign workers to fill gaps in the U.S. labor market.
“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1-B,” Musk stated.
Musk also declared that “hateful, unrepentant racists” should be removed from the Republican Party “root and stem.”
His remarks sparked further backlash from prominent MAGA figures. Steve Bannon, a staunch Trump ally, fired back, writing, “Someone please notify ‘Child Protective Services’—need to do a ‘wellness check’ on this toddler.”
The debate over legal immigration—particularly for highly skilled workers—has pitted tech-friendly conservatives like Musk and his ally Vivek Ramaswamy against hardline anti-immigration voices. Ramaswamy, a partner in Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) initiative, fanned the flames by suggesting that the shortage of U.S.-born engineers is a result of American culture “venerating mediocrity over excellence for way too long.”
Musk’s frustration with the anti-immigration faction boiled over on Friday when he agreed with “Dilbert” creator Scott Adams, who criticized MAGA’s stance on immigration as politically self-destructive. Musk doubled down, saying, “Those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem.” He clarified that his ire was directed at “hateful, unrepentant racists” within the GOP, warning that they would be the party’s downfall if not ousted.
The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B.
Take a big step back and FUCK YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 28, 2024
Yes.
And those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 27, 2024
The internal MAGA feud highlights a growing tension between proponents of economic innovation and those pushing a hardline nationalist agenda. With Musk pledging to “go to war” on the issue and Trump allies trading insults online, the divide shows no signs of abating.
