The political alliance between MAGA conservatives and the tech elite appears to be unraveling, as fiery social media exchanges reveal growing tensions over immigration policy. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz and conservative commentator Gavin Mario Wax are among the high-profile voices criticizing "tech bros" for their perceived overreach in advocating for changes to the H-1B visa program.
Criticism of Tech Bros Escalates Over H-1B Visa Advocacy
Matt Gaetz, known for his fiery rhetoric, took to X, formerly Twitter, to lash out at tech entrepreneurs he claims have overstepped their boundaries. “We welcomed the tech bros when they came running our way to avoid the 3rd grade teacher picking their kid’s gender—and the obvious Biden/Harris economic decline. We did not ask them to engineer an immigration policy,” Gaetz wrote.
The comment underscores the brewing discontent among MAGA supporters over the role of tech leaders in shaping the movement’s policy agenda. While many of these entrepreneurs were initially embraced for their contributions to Trump’s economic initiatives and their alignment against progressive policies, their push for H-1B visa reforms has sparked backlash.
Gavin Mario Wax, a conservative commentator and president of the New York Young Republican Club, echoed Gaetz’s sentiments, calling the tech elite "condescending" and "elitist." “The Tech Bros allied with MAGA to defeat a Democrat party full of hubris & arrogance. Now those same Tech Bros are engaging in the same hubris & arrogance with their flippant, condescending, and elitist responses to legitimate criticisms of the H1B1 program. Politically inept,” Wax posted.
Tensions Highlight Divide Within Conservative Base
The controversy centers around the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to employ skilled foreign workers, primarily in technology fields. Many MAGA conservatives argue that the program suppresses wages for American workers and undermines the “America First” ethos. Conversely, tech leaders argue that H-1B reforms are essential for maintaining innovation and economic growth.
This divide reflects a broader struggle within the MAGA coalition, as traditional conservative values clash with the tech industry’s globalist outlook. Critics like Gaetz and Wax accuse tech leaders of pursuing policies that prioritize corporate interests over the needs of American workers.
Social Media Reactions Add Fuel to the Fire
The online feud has sparked heated reactions from social media users, highlighting the polarizing nature of the debate.
“@AmericanWorkerUSA” wrote: “MAGA was built on protecting American jobs, not outsourcing them to foreign workers. Wake up, tech bros.”
“@TechForFreedom” countered: “Innovation thrives on talent, and H-1B is part of that equation. This infighting helps no one.”
“@PatriotFirst2024” posted: “Gaetz is right. We didn’t vote for Silicon Valley to take over our immigration policy.”
“@GlobalProgressive” remarked: “This shows the MAGA movement was never about unity. It’s about power, plain and simple.”
“@CodeWithPride” added: “If the U.S. stops hiring the best talent globally, innovation will suffer. MAGA is out of touch.”
“@ConservativeMom” wrote: “Protecting American jobs is non-negotiable. If tech bros can’t understand that, they don’t belong in MAGA.”