Trump Backs Limited H-1B Use for Manufacturing but Insists Firms Hire Americans First: White House

The White House on Monday clarified that President Donald Trump supports the limited and short-term use of H-1B skilled foreign workers, particularly when companies make major investments in US manufacturing. However, the administration stressed that Trump’s long-term goal is to ensure American workers fill those jobs once facilities are operational.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump’s stance during a briefing, calling his approach to the H-1B visa programme “common sense.”

“The President does not support American workers being replaced,” she said. “He wants the American manufacturing industry revitalised. That’s part of what he's doing through strategic tariffs and strong trade agreements.”

Leavitt said Trump recognises that advanced manufacturing plants—such as those producing batteries or cutting-edge components—may need temporary foreign expertise during the initial setup phase.
“If foreign companies are investing trillions of dollars in the United States and bringing in foreign workers to create niche products, he wants to see that at the beginning,” she noted.

But once production stabilises, Trump expects companies to transition to a primarily American workforce.

“He’s told these foreign companies: if you’re doing business in the United States, you better be hiring my people,” Leavitt added.

Crackdown on H-1B Use, But Support for Skilled Talent

Trump has long criticised the H-1B visa system for allegedly replacing American workers and lowering wages. His administration has proposed:

• A $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions

• Tighter scrutiny of visa applications

• Stronger anti-fraud measures

The White House says these changes aim to eliminate abuse and protect American jobs.

Yet Trump has also recently acknowledged the value of foreign talent. In a Fox News interview, he argued that the US needs skilled global workers in areas where domestic expertise is limited.

When asked whether America had enough local talent, Trump replied:
“No, you don’t. You don’t have certain talents… You can’t take someone off the unemployment line and put them in a factory making missiles.”

He also defended the presence of foreign students, saying they play a critical role in the US economy. Both H-1B and F-1 visas have faced criticism from hardline conservative factions.

The White House says Trump’s position balances protecting American workers with keeping the US competitive in high-tech industries reliant on specialised global talent.