Musk Labels MAGA Critics as ‘Contemptible Fools’ Amid Intensifying Visa Debate

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has ignited controversy by branding certain supporters of President-elect Donald Trump as “contemptible fools.” The comment, made amid an intensifying debate on highly skilled worker visas, highlights growing divisions within the MAGA base over the issue of legal immigration.

Musk, alongside his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) partner Vivek Ramaswamy, has found himself at odds with the anti-immigration wing of Trump’s Republican supporters. The debate, which has largely played out on the social media platform X, escalated Friday when conservative cartoonist Scott Adams weighed in, criticizing MAGA’s stance on immigration.

Adams argued that the movement was “taking a page from Democrats on how to lose elections while feeling good about themselves.” Musk echoed Adams’s sentiment, calling for the removal of those he labeled as “hateful, unrepentant racists” from the Republican Party.

“The ‘contemptible fools’ I’m referring to are those in the Republican Party who are hateful, unrepentant racists,” Musk clarified. “They will absolutely be the downfall of the Republican Party if they are not removed.”

Musk, who has invested at least $250 million to support Trump’s bid for a second term in the White House, emphasized that his criticism was not aimed at all MAGA supporters but rather at individuals he perceives as harmful to the party’s future.

The controversy began Thursday when Ramaswamy sparked heated discussions by attributing the lack of U.S.-born engineers in the job market to American culture, which he argued “has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long.” Musk defended Ramaswamy’s remarks, stating that foreign-born engineers have significantly contributed to the tech industry and the broader economy.

The debate took another turn when far-right activist Laura Loomer criticized President-elect Trump’s choice of Sriram Krishnan as a White House policy adviser on artificial intelligence. Loomer targeted Krishnan for a previous post advocating immigration reform, specifically removing country caps for green cards and unlocking skilled immigration opportunities.

Loomer’s comments reignited scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields like technology. Critics within the MAGA movement argue that the program undermines opportunities for American workers by favoring foreign talent.

Musk, a vocal supporter of skilled immigration, has consistently defended the H-1B program as vital for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in technology and innovation. His stance drew sharp criticism from Loomer, who accused him of hypocrisy, alleging that he was not living up to his commitment to being a “free speech absolutist.”

“@elonmusk has been a Republican for 5 minutes, and now he wants to decide who gets to be a Republican,” Loomer wrote on X. “Elon, you said you were a free speech absolutist. If you are, let’s please let all ideas flourish and we will let the best ideas win. Let’s embrace free speech absolutism.”

The debate has highlighted deeper fractures within the MAGA coalition, with some members prioritizing stricter immigration controls while others advocate for reforms to attract global talent. Musk’s comments, alongside his defense of skilled immigration, have underscored these ideological differences.

The H-1B program has long been a contentious issue, particularly among conservative factions who argue that it favors corporations over American workers. Critics claim the system suppresses wages and creates unfair competition for domestic job seekers.

Proponents, including Musk, counter that the program addresses critical labor shortages in high-tech industries and strengthens U.S. innovation on the global stage.

Adding to the tension, Loomer accused Musk of censoring her posts on X regarding immigration, suggesting his actions contradict his professed commitment to free speech. Musk has not directly responded to Loomer’s claims of censorship but has remained firm in his position that skilled immigration is essential for U.S. economic growth.

This internal conflict comes as Trump prepares to assume office, with his administration likely to face increased pressure to reconcile these opposing viewpoints. Trump himself has not directly addressed the visa debate, but his selection of Krishnan signals a possible alignment with Musk and Ramaswamy’s stance on skilled immigration.

As the visa row continues to dominate discussions, it highlights broader questions about the Republican Party’s direction and how it balances nationalist sentiments with the need to remain globally competitive.

Musk’s bold criticism of the party’s far-right wing reflects an ongoing struggle within the GOP to define its identity in a rapidly changing political and economic landscape.