Trump Says U.S. Lacks Skilled Workers, Defends H-1B Visas For Foreign Talent

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump said the country “doesn’t have talented people” for certain technical jobs, defending the need for skilled foreign workers through H-1B visas despite recent fee hikes. Speaking to Fox News, he said America lacks “certain skills” needed in sectors like defense and advanced manufacturing, sparking debate over the nation’s talent gap.

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Washington, November 12, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked new debate over America’s talent shortage after claiming that the United States “doesn’t have talented people” for certain technical and specialized jobs. Speaking in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump defended the need to import skilled foreign labor through the H-1B visa program, even as he continues to push for tighter immigration policies.

When Ingraham asked whether the U.S. has enough talented citizens to meet workforce needs, Trump replied bluntly: “No, you don’t. There are certain skills you don’t have, and people have to learn them.” The comment came as he discussed his administration’s controversial decision to raise H-1B visa fees to as high as $100,000 — a move critics argue could discourage international professionals from seeking opportunities in the United States.

Acknowledging a Skills Gap

Trump’s remarks mark a notable shift from his earlier “America First” rhetoric that emphasized protecting domestic workers from foreign competition. By admitting that the country lacks sufficient homegrown talent in some fields, Trump has effectively acknowledged what many economists and technology leaders have been warning for years: the U.S. faces a widening skills gap, especially in science, engineering, defense, and high-technology sectors.

He specifically pointed to advanced manufacturing and defense industries as examples where the domestic workforce falls short. “You’re going to make missiles — that’s not something you just learn overnight,” Trump said, highlighting that certain technical jobs require years of specialized training that many Americans do not currently possess.

The statement resonated strongly within business circles. Executives in technology and engineering industries have long argued that the U.S. education system isn’t producing enough graduates in STEM fields to keep up with innovation demands. Companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Boeing have repeatedly lobbied Washington for more flexibility in granting skilled worker visas, citing shortages of qualified American candidates. H-1B

A Contradiction in Policy

However, Trump’s remarks also expose a contradiction in his policy stance. During his presidency, he implemented stricter immigration rules, increased scrutiny of H-1B applications, and proposed massive fee hikes — measures that made it harder for companies to hire foreign talent. The new $100,000 application fee proposal, if enforced, would dramatically raise the cost of hiring international workers, potentially limiting the program’s accessibility to only the largest corporations. H-1B

Analysts say Trump’s latest statement reflects a political balancing act. On one hand, he aims to appeal to his base by maintaining tough immigration rhetoric; on the other, he recognizes the economic reality that the United States still depends heavily on skilled immigrants to maintain its global competitiveness.

Industry and Political Reactions H-1B

Reactions to Trump’s comments have been mixed. Business leaders welcomed his acknowledgment of the skills gap but questioned whether his visa policies align with that understanding. Tech industry associations said the remarks underscored the importance of maintaining an open door for talent from around the world.

“President Trump is correct that certain skills take years to develop,” said David Hale, an economist at the Global Policy Institute. “But raising visa costs while claiming the country lacks talent sends a confusing message to businesses that rely on global expertise.” H-1B VisaHH-1B Visa

Critics from labor unions and conservative circles, however, argued that Trump’s statement undermines his long-standing message of prioritizing American workers. “It’s ironic to hear him say we don’t have talent when millions of Americans are unemployed or undertrained,” said political analyst Sarah Knight. “The solution should be investing in domestic education, not relying on foreign workers.” H-1B Visa

The Broader Implication H-1B Visa

The debate touches on deeper issues in the American labor market. Experts note that while the U.S. produces millions of college graduates annually, many lack the specific technical or engineering skills needed for high-growth industries. The gap between education and employability has widened, particularly in advanced manufacturing, defense technology, and AI-driven sectors.H-1B Visa

Trump’s acknowledgment, therefore, may add new momentum to calls for major workforce reforms — from revamping STEM education to expanding vocational training. At the same time, it reignites the long-standing argument about whether foreign workers complement or compete with U.S. citizens.

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Trump’s statement could reshape the conversation about immigration and economic policy within Republican ranks. Whether his admission of America’s talent shortage will translate into a more pragmatic visa policy remains to be seen, but for now, it has reignited one of Washington’s most contentious debates: how to balance protecting U.S. jobs with keeping the nation’s innovation engine running. H-1B Visa

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