WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has made hardline immigration policies a signature issue, but acknowledged on Wednesday that he’s been criticized for recently stating that some skilled immigrants should be allowed into the country—even by his loyal Make America Great Again supporters.
Speaking to an audience of business executives at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump insisted the U.S. requires immigrants who can train domestic workers to fill roles in high-tech manufacturing.
“I love my conservative friends. I love MAGA. But this is MAGA,” Trump expressed. “These individuals will teach our people how to make computer chips, leading to significant advancements.”
His comments were met with applause, but tension arose when Fox News host Laura Ingraham recently questioned Trump's stance, arguing against allowing large numbers of foreign workers into the country. Trump responded, insisting that talent must be brought in.
Despite previously receiving criticism from sectors of his base opposing H-1B visas and other skilled immigration programs, Trump doubled down on his position on Wednesday, claiming that even his critics are “really, really smart” yet misunderstand the need to teach American workers.
In his assertion, Trump elaborated that domestic factories operating complex machinery cannot simply rely on unemployment line hires, stating that companies will “have to bring thousands of skilled workers” from abroad and emphasizing his support for that influx.
Providing evidence for his claims, Trump referenced recent immigration raids affecting South Korean workers at Hyundai's Georgia plant, explaining that he intervened to suggest a reevaluation of such measures.
