Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom is no stranger to controversy, but his recent Twitter posts praising President-elect Donald Trump’s stance on H-1B visas have raised eyebrows among conservatives.
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To some, it looks like a calculated move to stir division within the MAGA movement, taking advantage of ongoing internal debates. Others see it as a transparent attempt to promote his own liberal immigration agenda while framing it as bipartisan cooperation. But perhaps it’s nothing more than naked mockery—a deliberate attempt to ridicule conservatives while feigning agreement.
Regardless of intent, Newsom’s words have added fuel to an already heated discussion about immigration and American jobs.
Newsom’s Comments and MAGA Backlash
On Saturday, Newsom tweeted:
“Good to see Trump embrace Elon’s position. Hardworking immigrants should continue to be part of our great nation. From Silicon Valley to the Central Valley, we are better off when we have competition and top talent – from farmworkers, construction workers, CEOs, and beyond.”
The tweet included a screenshot of an article quoting Trump’s pro-H-1B visa comments, in which the President-elect said:
“I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times.”
Good to see Trump embrace Elon’s position.
Hardworking immigrants should continue to be part of our great nation.
From Silicon Valley to the Central Valley, we are better off when we have competition and top talent – from farmworkers, construction workers, CEOs, and beyond. pic.twitter.com/PGDPP40dbv
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 28, 2024
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Some MAGA voters expressed disappointment, claiming that Trump’s position on immigration now aligns too closely with liberal Democrats like Newsom. Others accused Newsom of trying to manipulate the MAGA base, taking advantage of existing tensions over immigration policy to weaken Trump’s support.
“Nah this piece of s— is just trying to stir up some s—. Don’t fall for it.”
Another wrote:
“This is how you know they hold the wrong position. If it was ever actually in question.”
Playing Politics? Who, Newsom?
Newsom’s remarks come at a time when the MAGA movement is facing internal debates over immigration policy, surrounding high-skilled worker visas.
Elon Musk, who has been a vocal advocate for H-1B visas, has drawn criticism from hardline conservatives for his perceived disregard for American workers. By echoing Musk’s sentiment and praising Trump’s comments, Newsom appears to be trying to exacerbate these divisions.
A second tweet from Newsom added fuel to the fire:
“@ElonMusk is right when he said: ‘you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.’ The same principle should apply to supporting our farmworkers, construction, and trades workers who build and feed our country. Top talent is top talent.”
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.@ElonMusk is right when he said: “you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.”
The same principle should apply to supporting our farmworkers, construction, and trades workers who build and feed our country.
Top talent is top talent.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 28, 2024
For many conservatives, the H-1B visa debate is about more than just bringing in skilled workers—it’s about ensuring that American workers aren’t left behind. Critics argue that corporations have used the program to replace American employees with cheaper foreign labor, leading to lower wages and fewer opportunities, especially in tech.
Trump’s comments in favor of the program, while pragmatic, have left some of his strongest supporters questioning whether his stance aligns with the America First vision. Newsom’s calculated language suggests he’s attempting to paint Trump’s H-1B visa stance as a betrayal of his America First platform, hoping to alienate voters who prioritize protecting American jobs.
For a governor who has presided over a state where middle-class families are struggling under skyrocketing costs of living, his sudden concern for workers and tradespeople rings hollow. California’s policies have consistently prioritized wealthy elites over everyday workers, and the state’s legislation has decimated freelance and independent contractors.
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Read More:
Trump Has Entered the Chat on H-1B Visas
Can Gavin Newsom, Other Governors Really ‘Trump-Proof’ Their States?
Oh, and he’s also wrong. “Top talent” farm workers don’t qualify for H-1B visas, which target skilled foreign workers in tech and specialized fields. H-2A visas address temporary agricultural labor needs. Newsom’s attempt to conflate these distinct programs oversimplifies the issue and disregards valid concerns about H-1B abuses undermining American jobs.
While Newsom stirs the pot, conservatives should stay focused on substantive policies rather than political theatrics. This moment is an opportunity to unify around policies that truly put America First, including necessary H-1B reforms, regardless of the nonsense coming from California.
