In a new Fox News interview, President Donald Trump defended the use of H-1B visas by claiming the United States doesn’t currently have enough people with the right skills to fill certain jobs.
His comments sparked a wave of criticism, including from longtime allies.
Asked by Fox News host Laura Ingraham if he would prioritize limiting the H-1B visa program in his administration to raise wages for American workers, Trump responded, “I agree—but you also do have to bring in talent.”
Ingraham pushed back, saying, “We have plenty of talented people here.”
“No, you don’t. No, you don’t… You don’t have certain talents and you have to… People have to learn,” Trump replied.
He continued, “You can’t take people off an unemployment line and say, ‘I’m going to put you into a factory where we’re going to make missiles,’ It doesn’t work that way.”
Georgia ICE Raid Sparks Debate Over Skilled Labor
Trump cited a September Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on a Hyundai facility in Georgia, where hundreds of South Korean contractors were deported.
According to Trump, these workers had spent their careers building batteries and were essential to training Americans.
“In Georgia, they raided because they wanted illegal immigrants out,” he said.
“They had people from South Korea that made batteries all their life. You know, making batteries is very complicated. It’s not an easy thing and very dangerous. A lot of explosions, a lot of problems. They had like five or 600 people, early stages, to make batteries and to teach people how to do it. Well, they wanted them to get out of the country. You’re going to need that, Laura.”
Backlash From Allies and Critics
Trump’s stance has sparked backlash, including from Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who posted on social media: “I believe in the American people. I am one of you. I believe you are good, talented, creative, intelligent, hard working, and want to achieve. I am solidly against you being replaced by foreign labor, like with H1Bs.”
Trump responded by telling CNN that Greene has “lost her way” and is now “catering to the other side.”
Critics have also pointed to historical precedent to challenge Trump’s claims. A post on X by Five Times August, an independent singer-songwriter known for his political commentary, said, “We had zero-experience housewives making aircraft and tanks in World War 2 and @POTUS acts like we can’t train Americans to make batteries.”
Visa Policy Tightens Amid Controversy
While Trump insists that the U.S. needs outside talent for specific sectors, his administration has taken a tougher stance on legal immigration.
In September, he signed an executive action imposing a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas. The visa allows skilled foreign workers to stay in the U.S. for three years, with a possible three-year extension.
Economists argue the program helps companies stay competitive and supports domestic job growth, but it remains politically controversial.
Critics worry it depresses wages and displaces American workers.
Trump’s position is seen as inconsistent by some. Just weeks before the Fox News interview, he told reporters traveling with him to South Korea that he was “very much opposed” to the ICE raid in Georgia.
Trump, Ingraham Spar Over Foreign Students
The interview also touched on foreign students in U.S. universities. Ingraham challenged Trump over allowing Chinese nationals to study in the U.S., saying, “They spy on us. They steal our intellectual property.”
Trump replied, “Do you think the French are better?” When Ingraham said, “Yeah,” he shot back, “I’m not so sure.”
A Divisive Debate Over Talent and Labor
Trump’s remarks on talent gaps and foreign labor come at a time when immigration remains a defining issue of his presidency.
While he argues that specialized workers are critical for high-tech industries, the backlash suggests many Americans remain deeply protective of domestic labor opportunities.
Whether the U.S. truly lacks the talent or simply needs more investment in job training and education remains a central point of debate.
What’s clear is that Trump’s comments have reopened an old and emotionally charged discussion about immigration, American workers, and the future of the nation’s labor force.
IMAGE CREDIT: “President Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.