Overview
- In a Fox interview with Laura Ingraham, Trump promoted expanding H-1B visas and increasing Chinese student visas, saying the U.S. lacks "certain talents" and responding "No, no you don’t" to a claim that America has enough talent.
- The comments have sharpened a divide between protectionist MAGA activists who oppose H-1B hiring and pro‑industry conservatives who support access to high‑skill foreign labor.
- A White House spokesperson defended Trump’s record by highlighting a new $100,000 fee on H-1B applications and Department of Labor actions targeting program abuses.
- Despite visible pushback, NBC polling from late October shows Trump retains strong standing with Republicans, including 88% approval among GOP voters and even higher approval among self-identified MAGA supporters.
- Analysts caution that disputes over visas, affordability and the Epstein files could weaken Republican momentum heading toward the 2026 midterms, evoking comparisons to the GOP’s 2006 immigration rift.