By Kenneth Tiven
The largest group in Trump’s coalition—primarily white, Christian, and working-class voters—remains deeply upset by changing demographics and progressive values. Among their chief demands is a significant reduction in the H-1B guest worker programme that employs thousands of Indians in America’s tech sector. Meanwhile, influential billionaires like Elon Musk have taken a starkly opposite stance, creating a rift within Trump’s tent.
Many political battles in America are won by the richest side, not the largest, and this lesson is playing out in real-time. Trump’s coalition is a patchwork of factions, each with its own vision of a “better” America. While this uneasy alliance held together during the election to defeat Democrat Kamala Harris, fractures are emerging as policy priorities take centre stage.
Trump’s working-class supporters demand harsh immigration measures, including mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and scaling back the H-1B visa programme. In contrast, billionaires in Trump’s orbit—many of whom rely heavily on H-1B workers—are pushing back. Musk, for example, views the programme as essential for maintaining America’s competitive edge in technology and innovation.
Musk’s fight for H-1B
Elon Musk, an immigrant himself, broke his silence on Trump’s immigration policies with a passionate defense of the H-1B programme. Musk declared he would “go to war” over efforts to limit these visas, which are crucial for his companies Tesla and SpaceX. He warned that without access to top-tier global talent, the US risks falling behind nations like China in technological innovation.
Musk’s stance directly conflicts with nativist MAGA supporters like activist Laura Loomer, who derided the programme as a threat to American jobs. Loomer’s inflammatory rhetoric has alienated her from Trump’s inner circle, but it reflects the broader anxieties of many in the working class.
The divide is emblematic of Trump’s transactional politics. Historically, Trump prioritizes financial gain, and his billionaire allies are pushing to maintain immigration programmes that benefit their bottomlines—even at the expense of MAGA ideology.
Anti-immigration sentiment
Trump’s coalition isn’t just divided by class; it’s also fractured by race and ideology. The nativist MAGA wing has increasingly turned its ire towards Indian-Americans, five of whom Trump has nominated for top government positions.
This faction sees these appointments as a betrayal of “America First” policies. Social media platforms are rife with derogatory comments targeting figures like Sriram Krishnan, a Musk associate recently appointed as a senior policy advisor on artificial intelligence. Critics claim H-1B workers undercut American wages, a sentiment amplified by far-right groups like “US Tech Workers”.
Heather Cox Richardson, a historian, notes that the divide is more than political—it’s cultural. “A civil war has broken out,” she says, between MAGA loyalists and wealthy conservatives. The former group longs for an America that no longer exists, while the latter sees immigration as a tool for economic growth.
Historical context
Immigration has always been a contentious issue in America. From anti-Irish sentiment in the 19th century to the current backlash against Indian tech workers, each wave of newcomers has faced hostility. Today, social media amplifies these sentiments, emboldened by Trump’s rhetoric.
Paradoxically, Trump himself is the product of immigration—his mother was undocumented when she arrived in the US. His two immigrant wives further complicate the narrative of a president leading an anti-immigration movement.
Efforts to define who qualifies as a “real” American are futile. The vast majority of Americans are either immigrants or their descendants. Indigenous Americans, the only true natives, make up just 3.3percent of the population.
Trump’s appointments
Trump’s controversial nominations for key government roles reflect the tensions in his coalition:
• Kash Patel: Nominated for Attorney General despite limited legal experience.
• Tulsi Gabbard: Named Head of Intelligence Agencies, raising eyebrows for her admiration of authoritarian leaders.
• Jay Bhattacharya: A critic of Covid-era policies, appointed to lead the NIH.
• Harmeet Dhillon: Tapped to head the Civil Rights Division, with plans to roll back protections.
Future outlook
The next four years under Trump are poised to be as chaotic as his first term. Political analyst Josh Marshall describes the administration’s ethos as “post-civic democracy,” driven more by billionaire whims than coherent ideology.
For Democrats, the challenge is stark. After salvaging the economy post-COVID, they now face a Republican party emboldened by its recent victory. Whether Trump’s policies will ultimately alienate his coalition or solidify their support remains to be seen.
As America grapples with its identity, the immigration debate reveals deeper questions about what kind of nation it wants to be—and who gets to decide.
—The writer has worked in senior positions at The Washington Post, NBC, ABC and CNN and also consults for several Indian channels.