A clash has erupted within MAGA ranks, sparked by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's proposal to expand immigration visas for highly skilled workers. Appointed by President-elect Trump to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), they contend that a perceived lack of emphasis on education necessitates bringing in foreign talent for technology companies like Musk's SpaceX and Tesla.

This stance contrasts sharply with Trump's previous actions restricting foreign worker visas and his criticism of the H-1B visa program. It also clashes with the expectations of his core supporters who favor immigration restrictions and prioritizing the American workforce.

Musk argues that a significant shortage of skilled engineers exists in Silicon Valley, advocating for a doubling of engineering talent in the US. He compares recruiting foreign talent to building a winning sports team, emphasizing the need to acquire top talent regardless of origin.

Ramaswamy, whose parents immigrated from India, supports Musk's position and criticizes American culture for allegedly prioritizing mediocrity over excellence in education, drawing criticism from prominent conservatives like Ann Coulter, Laura Loomer, Matt Gaetz, and Nikki Haley.

Haley, a former rival of Ramaswamy in the 2024 Republican primary, emphasizes the importance of investing in American workers. Gaetz questions the tech leaders' involvement in immigration policy, while Loomer expresses concerns about the impact on traditional MAGA policies.

This debate intensified following Trump's nomination of Sriram Krishnan as AI policy advisor, a move that drew criticism due to Krishnan's past support for increasing green card limits.