Former President Donald Trump openly defended the need for skilled foreign workers on H-1B visas. He made these remarks at a recent investment forum in Washington. His comments directly challenge the "America First" stance of his core supporters.

Trump argued that billion-dollar manufacturing plants require specialized knowledge. He stated that companies must sometimes bring expert workers from abroad to launch operations. According to Reuters, this position has sparked debate within his political base.

The Republican former president addressed the tension head-on. He acknowledged he would "take a little heat" from his supporters. He referred to his loyal followers as people he loves who are "toward the right of center."

Trump used the example of computer chip factories being built. He stated you cannot hire people "off an unemployment line" to run such advanced facilities. Thousands of skilled workers are needed initially to get plants open and operating.

He framed this temporary reliance on foreign expertise as ultimately beneficial for American workers. These visa holders would teach U.S. employees how to make complex products like semiconductors. After this knowledge transfer, he suggested, those foreign workers could then return home.

This stance creates a clear policy rift. It places Trump at odds with some immigration hardliners in his party. Figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have championed a stricter "America Only" approach.

Economically, the argument centers on global competition. The Biden administration has also pushed for major investments in domestic chip manufacturing. Both sides recognize a shortage of immediately available skilled labor for these high-tech projects.

The long-term effect hinges on the "teach our people" premise. Success would require robust training programs linked to these foreign investments. The political risk for Trump is alienating a portion of his base that views any work visa program skeptically.