By Manisha Sahu | America News World | November 13, 2025
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has sharply criticized President Donald Trump over his recent comments supporting H-1B visa holders and international students, marking a deepening rift between the former allies. Once among Trump’s most loyal supporters, Greene’s remarks signal a growing ideological divide within the Republican Party over immigration, foreign policy, and the future of Trump’s “America First” movement.
In a series of fiery posts on X (formerly Twitter), Greene accused Trump of betraying the American worker by suggesting that the United States needs to rely on foreign talent through visa programs and overseas student admissions. Her posts, widely circulated across conservative circles, reflect the unease among many MAGA supporters who view Trump’s comments as a reversal of his long-standing anti-globalist stance.
Trump’s Comments on Talent and Immigration
The controversy began when President Trump recently stated that the United States “doesn’t have enough talented people” and must attract skilled workers and students from abroad to maintain its competitive edge. He praised the H-1B visa program—which allows U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign professionals—and expressed support for increasing international student admissions, calling them “good for business” and vital for “keeping American universities strong.”
These comments, seen by some as pragmatic in addressing talent shortages, angered many conservative hardliners who have long associated Trump with restricting immigration and prioritizing domestic employment.
Greene’s Fiery Rebuttal
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Marjorie Taylor Greene—who represents Georgia’s 14th congressional district—issued a lengthy statement reaffirming her nationalist stance.
“I believe in the American people. I am one of you. I believe you are good, talented, creative, intelligent, hard-working, and want to achieve,” Greene wrote. “I am solidly against you being replaced by foreign labor, like with H-1Bs.”
Her post directly challenged Trump’s claim that the U.S. lacks sufficient domestic talent. “We don’t need to import skill,” Greene added. “We need to invest in our own people, our students, our workers, and our industries.”
Greene’s message quickly gained traction among her conservative followers, with the hashtag #AmericaFirst trending across X within hours.
Opposition to Foreign Students
Greene also targeted Trump’s statements about international students, particularly those from China, claiming they take opportunities away from American youth while propping up struggling universities.
“I am solidly against allowing foreign students into our colleges and universities, like 600,000 Chinese students, just to financially prop them up,” Greene said. “If they fail, they fail. The system in place isn’t helping our young people anyway.”
Her comments struck a chord with segments of the right-wing base who view foreign student programs as a source of economic and cultural dependency. However, critics argue that Greene’s stance ignores the financial contributions and innovation foreign students bring to the U.S. education system.
Criticism of Trump’s Meeting with Syrian President
In another sharp rebuke, Greene also criticized Trump for hosting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—a controversial figure once accused of links to terrorist groups—at the White House.
“I am against bringing any foreign leader that is a terrorist or oversees killing innocent people into our country and into the Oval Office,” she said. “They do not deserve our support.”
Her comments added to the growing list of grievances Greene has voiced against Trump in recent weeks, including his handling of foreign policy and government spending during the recent 43-day U.S. government shutdown.
“I Serve Americans Only”
Reiterating her nationalist slogan, Greene declared:
“I am elected to represent my district and the American people, no other country. I only serve Americans. I am America First and America Only.”
The statement reflects Greene’s effort to position herself as the true defender of the “America First” agenda—an ideology originally championed by Trump but now, in her view, diluted by his recent policy shifts.
Growing Rift in the Republican Party
The feud underscores a broader struggle within the Republican Party, as factions loyal to Trump face increasing dissent from populist and isolationist figures like Greene. While Trump remains the dominant force in the GOP, his recent policy pivots—particularly on immigration, technology, and international trade—have unsettled portions of his base who accuse him of abandoning his 2016 promises.
Political analysts say Greene’s public attacks mark a strategic attempt to appeal to disillusioned conservatives who feel left behind by the evolving priorities of the Trump-led GOP.
“This is not just about visas or students,” said political strategist Michael Sanderson. “It’s about ownership of the ‘America First’ message. Greene is trying to reclaim that identity for herself and the populist right.”
Trump Responds: “She’s Lost Her Way”
Earlier this week, Trump reportedly dismissed Greene’s criticisms, telling supporters that the Congresswoman had “lost her way.” According to insiders, the President was particularly irritated by Greene’s recent alignment with some Democrats on government transparency issues, including her support for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Greene also broke with the party line during the government shutdown, criticizing Trump for prolonging the crisis and calling for a bipartisan resolution—a move that put her at odds with several senior Republicans.
Fallout and Future Implications
The public spat between Trump and Greene could have far-reaching consequences within the Republican ranks. While some conservatives have rallied behind Greene’s hardline stance, others caution that open divisions could weaken the party ahead of next year’s congressional elections.
“We can’t afford to fight ourselves when Democrats are united,” said GOP strategist Rachel Curtis. “But Greene’s voice represents a powerful sentiment among voters who still believe Trump’s presidency should have been tougher on immigration.”
For Trump, the episode highlights the tightrope he faces as he tries to balance populist nationalism with economic pragmatism. For Greene, it’s an opportunity to carve out an independent identity as a standard-bearer for uncompromising nationalism.
As the dust settles, the clash between Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump reveals deep ideological fractures within the Republican Party. Once united under the banner of “America First,” the movement now faces internal challenges over what that slogan truly means in a changing world.
While Trump continues to emphasize global competitiveness and strategic engagement, Greene insists that loyalty to American workers and students must remain absolute.
Whether this dispute marks a temporary skirmish or the beginning of a lasting split within the GOP remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — the America First movement no longer speaks with one voice.
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