Elon Musk Blasts “Hateful, Unrepentant Racists” in GOP Amid H-1B Visa Feud, Threatens to “Go to War” on This Issue

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has called for the removal of “hateful, unrepentant racists” within the Republican Party, further escalating tensions surrounding the H-1B visa issue.

Musk’s comments were made in response to allegations from Indian-American Democrat Neera Tanden, who claimed the GOP treats Indian Americans unfairly.

Tanden, who serves as President Biden’s US Domestic Policy Council director, posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“I hope Indian Americans remember this moment at the next election. They don’t see you as one of them. And never will.”

She added, “You thought they just hated other immigrants. But it turns out there’s no exception for you.”

Musk’s Response Sparks Debate

Replying to a thread discussing Tanden’s statement, Musk agreed, saying “Yes,” before elaborating:
“Those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem.”

Musk clarified his position when questioned by offended users, stating:
“The ‘contemptible fools’ I’m referring to are those in the Republican Party who are hateful, unrepentant racists. They will absolutely be the downfall of the Republican Party if they are not removed.”

Musk, a vocal advocate for legal immigration, further highlighted the importance of the H-1B visa program, which benefits a significant number of Indian professionals.

“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B,” Musk posted.

He vowed to “go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.”

In another post, Musk defended the H-1B visa by saying, “America rose to greatness over the past 150 years, because it was a meritocracy more than anywhere else on Earth. I will fight to my last drop of blood to ensure that it remains that land of freedom and opportunity.”

He had previously said, “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low. Think of this like a pro sports team: if you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever they may be.”

GOP’s Internal Divisions on Display

Musk’s remarks come amid growing divisions within the GOP over issues like immigration. Indian Americans have been a focal point in this debate, particularly as they dominate H-1B visa allocations.

The discourse was further intensified by appointments made by President-elect Donald Trump, who included five Indian Americans in key government positions:

• Vivek Ramaswamy as head of the Department of Government Efficiency
• Kash Patel as FBI director
• Harmeet Dhillon as assistant attorney general for Civil Rights
• Jay Bhattacharya as director of the National Institutes of Health
• Sriram Krishnan, the most controversial pick, as senior White House policy advisor on Artificial Intelligence

Krishnan’s stance on green card policy has drawn backlash from white nationalists and far-right activists, including Laura Loomer and other Trump supporters.

The Broader Implications

Musk’s vocal support for H-1B visas underscores his alignment with allies like Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who also advocates for immigration reform.

The H-1B visa program enables U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Musk credits this system for the success of his companies, suggesting that without it, America would lose out on a significant portion of its innovative edge.

Musk’s comments have sparked a wide range of reactions, with supporters applauding his defense of legal immigration routes for skilled workers, while critics argue over the implications for domestic labor markets.

However, the debate continues to highlight the ideological rifts within the GOP.

As Musk’s comments reverberate through political and social media circles, they underline a critical question for the Republican Party: can it reconcile its internal divisions without alienating key demographics, including Indian Americans?

Also Read: Musk and Tech Right’s H-1B Push Met with Genuine Concerns Plus White Supremacist Backlash