MAGA Figures Accuse Elon Musk of Retaliation Over H-1B Visa Dispute

A rift between MAGA supporters and Elon Musk has escalated into accusations that the tech billionaire is using his platform, X (formerly Twitter), to silence dissent over his pro-H-1B visa stance. Musk’s advocacy for the program, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to enter the U.S., has sparked criticism from prominent Trump allies, including Laura Loomer, Ann Coulter, and former Congressman Matt Gaetz.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, has defended the H-1B visa program, emphasizing its importance for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in technology and innovation. “If you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be,” Musk posted on X, adding that “bringing in via legal immigration the top ~0.1% of engineering talent” is “essential for America to keep winning.”

The defense of the visa program has drawn backlash from Trump loyalists. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and outspoken Trump supporter, claimed that Musk retaliated by removing her verification badge on X and blocking her ability to earn revenue from paid subscriptions on the platform. Loomer, who has over 1.4 million followers, called Musk “a free speech fraud” and accused him of silencing her for opposing the H-1B program.

Conservative PAC, led by chairman Preston Parra, also reported that 53 accounts linked to the organization lost their verification badges. Parra expressed outrage, stating, “If anyone thinks the REAL backbone of the right wing and MAGA is gonna stand idly by while these big tech gillionaire Silicon Valley dweebs… steal our country, they’re mistaken.”

Musk has not publicly addressed the removal of badges but dismissed Loomer’s claims, posting that “Loomer is trolling for attention.” CNN has reached out to X and Loomer for comment, but no responses have been received.

The controversy highlights a growing tension within the MAGA movement over immigration policies, particularly as Musk’s pro-immigration stance contrasts with Trump’s critical position on the H-1B program. It also underscores the broader debate about free speech and platform governance, with Musk’s actions drawing scrutiny amid his claims of promoting open dialogue on X.