Key Takeaways
• Trump and Musk publicly clashed on June 5, 2025, over clean energy policies and government contracts.
• H-1B visa modernization began January 2025, updating specialty occupations, forms, fees, and enforcement rules.
• Trump’s softened H-1B stance may reverse due to feud, risking policy shifts and enforcement increases.
The public feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has quickly become one of the most talked-about political stories of 2025. Their falling out, which exploded on June 5, 2025, is not just a clash of personalities—it could have real consequences for U.S. immigration policy, especially the H-1B visa program. The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized jobs, and both Trump and Musk have played important roles in shaping the debate around this program. Now, as their relationship sours, many are asking: Will the Trump-Musk feud change the future of the H-1B visa?
What Happened: The Trump-Musk Feud Goes Public
On June 5, 2025, President Trump and Elon Musk exchanged harsh words on social media and in public statements. The argument started over Trump’s new economic bill, which cuts back on clean energy incentives. Musk, who leads several companies in the clean energy and space industries, called the bill an “abomination.” President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, said he was surprised by Musk’s criticism and hinted that their once-strong relationship might be over.
Trump went further, saying he had asked Musk to leave his administration and threatened to cancel government contracts with Musk’s companies. He stated, “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.” In response, Musk announced that SpaceX would start shutting down its Dragon spacecraft program, a dramatic move that shows just how serious the rift has become. Musk also claimed that he was a key reason for Trump’s electoral victory, saying, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate.”
This very public argument has raised questions about how their feud might affect policies they once agreed on—especially immigration and the H-1B visa program.
The H-1B Visa Program: What’s New in 2025?
The H-1B visa program is a way for U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for jobs that require specialized knowledge, usually in fields like technology, engineering, and science. The program has always been a hot topic in U.S. politics, with supporters saying it helps American companies stay competitive and critics arguing it takes jobs away from U.S. workers.
In January 2025, new rules for the H-1B program went into effect. These changes, known as the H-1B Modernization Rule, were designed to make the program clearer and more efficient. Here are some of the most important updates:
- Clearer Definition of Specialty Occupation: The rules now say that a job must usually require a bachelor’s degree in a specific field that matches the job duties. This means employers can’t just say any degree is good enough—they have to show the job really needs special training.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: For the first time, people who start their own companies can have those companies file H-1B petitions for them. This change is meant to help entrepreneurs and encourage new businesses.
- Better Cap-Gap Protections: International students in the U.S. on F-1 visas often face a gap between when their student status ends and when their H-1B status begins. The new rules automatically extend their student status and work permission until April 1 of the next fiscal year, giving them more time and less stress.
- Stronger Enforcement: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now has more power to visit worksites and punish employers who break the rules.
- New Form I-129: Employers must now use the latest version of Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) when applying for H-1B visas. There is no grace period—everyone must use the new form as of January 17, 2025.
- Higher Lottery Fees: The cost to enter the H-1B lottery jumped from $10 to $215 per person for the 2026 fiscal year.
These changes were meant to modernize the program and make it fairer for both workers and employers. But with the Trump-Musk feud heating up, some worry that more changes could be on the way.
Donald Trump’s Changing Views on H-1B Visas
President Trump’s position on the H-1B visa has shifted over the years. During his first term (2017-2021), he was known for being tough on immigration. He signed the “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, which made it harder for companies to hire H-1B workers and required them to pay higher wages.
But in the lead-up to the 2024 election and into his second term, Trump’s tone changed. He defended the H-1B program, telling the New York Post, “I’ve always liked the visas. I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.” This put him in agreement with Elon Musk and other tech leaders who support the program.
Elon Musk, who came to the United States 🇺🇸 as a foreign student and later worked on an H-1B visa, has always been a strong supporter. He has said the H-1B program is the reason he was able to come to America and build his companies. Musk even threatened to “go to war on this issue” if the program was attacked.
Not everyone in Trump’s circle agrees. Some, like Steve Bannon, have called the H-1B program “a scam and a con” that takes jobs from Americans. This split shows just how complicated the politics around H-1B visas can be.
How the Trump-Musk Feud Could Affect H-1B Visas
Now that Trump and Musk are publicly fighting, there are several ways this could affect the H-1B visa program:
1. Possible Policy Reversal
Trump’s recent support for H-1B visas was closely tied to his relationship with Musk. Now that they are at odds, Trump might return to his earlier, tougher stance on the program. He could do this to please his political base and show he is not influenced by Musk. This could mean new restrictions or even attempts to roll back the modernization changes made in January 2025.
2. Changes in Administrative Priorities
Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were co-leaders of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a group expected to shape immigration policy. With Musk possibly out of the picture, the department’s focus could shift away from skilled immigration reform. This could slow down or stop efforts to make the H-1B program more welcoming to foreign talent.
3. Regulatory Uncertainty
The new H-1B rules that started in January 2025 could face challenges or changes as the Trump administration rethinks its approach. Employers and workers might see more uncertainty about what the rules really mean and how they will be enforced.
4. Impact on the Tech Sector
The technology industry in the United States 🇺🇸 relies heavily on H-1B visas to bring in skilled workers from around the world. Musk’s support has been important for keeping the program strong. Without his influence, tech companies might face more hurdles in hiring the talent they need.
5. More Enforcement
The Trump administration could focus even more on enforcing H-1B rules. This could mean more site visits, more paperwork, and tougher penalties for companies that don’t follow the rules. The recent modernization rule already gave USCIS more power in this area.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes could make the H-1B process more unpredictable and stressful for both employers and workers.
What Immigration Experts Are Saying
Many immigration experts believe that the Trump-Musk feud could lead to a tougher environment for H-1B applicants and employers. They expect to see:
- More enforcement actions: This could include surprise visits to workplaces and more requests for extra documents.
- Greater scrutiny: Applications might be reviewed more closely, with more questions and longer wait times.
- Unpredictable decisions: It could become harder to know what will be approved and what will be denied.
One expert described the situation as “one of the first signs of disunity or disharmony in the folks who support Trump and who are going to make up his administration, and this is likely to be an ongoing point of tension.” This means that the people in charge of immigration policy might not agree on what to do, making it even harder to predict what will happen next.
What Should Employers and Workers Do Now?
With so much uncertainty, it’s important for employers and potential H-1B applicants to stay alert and be ready for changes. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official sources like USCIS’s H-1B page for updates on rules and procedures.
- Prepare for More Scrutiny: Make sure all paperwork is complete and accurate. Be ready to provide extra documents if asked.
- Follow the New Rules: Use the latest version of Form I-129 and pay attention to new deadlines and fees.
- Work with Experts: Consider consulting with immigration lawyers or specialists who can help navigate the changing landscape.
- Monitor Political Developments: Watch for announcements from the White House and USCIS about possible policy changes.
The Bigger Picture: Politics, Policy, and People
The Trump-Musk feud is about more than just two powerful personalities. It highlights the deep divisions in U.S. politics over immigration, technology, and the future of work. The H-1B visa program sits at the center of these debates.
For immigrants, the stakes are high. Many talented workers come to the United States 🇺🇸 on H-1B visas, hoping to build careers and contribute to the economy. For employers, especially in the tech sector, the ability to hire global talent is key to staying competitive.
The recent changes to the H-1B program were meant to make things clearer and fairer. But political fights like the Trump-Musk feud can quickly change the direction of policy. As the situation develops, everyone involved—immigrants, employers, and policymakers—will need to stay flexible and ready to adapt.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for H-1B?
No one can say for sure what will happen to the H-1B visa program in the coming months. The modernization rule that took effect in January 2025 provides some stability, but political battles could lead to new changes. Here’s what to watch for:
- Possible new executive orders: President Trump could issue orders that change how the H-1B program works.
- Changes in enforcement: There could be more site visits, audits, and penalties for employers.
- Public debate: The fight over H-1B visas is likely to continue, with strong opinions on both sides.
- Impact on international students: The new cap-gap protections help, but any changes to the H-1B program could affect students planning to stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸.
Employers and workers should keep a close eye on official announcements and be ready to respond quickly to any changes.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most up-to-date and reliable information about the H-1B visa program, visit the USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations page. This site provides details on eligibility, forms, fees, and recent changes.
Final Thoughts
The Trump-Musk feud has added a new layer of uncertainty to the already complex world of U.S. immigration policy. While the H-1B modernization rule brought some welcome updates, the political fallout from this high-profile argument could lead to more changes—some of which may happen quickly and with little warning.
Employers, workers, and students who rely on the H-1B program should stay informed, follow the latest rules, and be prepared for a changing landscape. As the situation continues to unfold, keeping up with official sources and seeking expert advice will be more important than ever.
By understanding the current rules, watching for new developments, and preparing for possible changes, everyone involved can better protect their interests and plan for the future—even in the face of political drama like the Trump-Musk feud.
Learn Today
H-1B Visa → A visa allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized, skilled occupations.
Form I-129 → USCIS petition form used by employers to request H-1B visa approval for a worker.
Cap-Gap Protection → Extension allowing F-1 students to keep work authorization until their H-1B status begins.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency managing immigration processes and enforcement.
H-1B Modernization Rule → 2025 regulatory update clarifying specialty occupations, enforcement, fees, and application processes.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Trump-Musk feud erupted in June 2025, threatening changes to the H-1B visa program. Policy shifts could impact tech hiring and visa rules amid political tensions, challenging employers and foreign workers relying on this essential skilled worker visa program.
— By VisaVerge.com
