In a significant move that may reshape the landscape of the U.S. tech industry, former President Donald Trump has officially signed an order to elevate the fees associated with H-1B visas to a staggering $100,000. This decision comes as a blow to an industry that has been a considerable financial supporter of Trump’s presidential campaign. The H-1B visa program is crucial for tech companies, supplying them with a workforce that predominantly consists of computer-related jobs, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of all positions filled under this program. However, the visa is also utilized by employers to recruit engineers, educators, and healthcare professionals.
Opponents of the H-1B visa contend that it undermines domestic job opportunities and contributes to wage suppression. Many U.S. technology workers have expressed concerns that the influx of foreign professionals sidelines qualified Americans. On the other hand, advocates, including high-profile figures such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk—a former H-1B visa holder himself—argue that the visa is vital for securing skilled labor necessary to address existing talent shortages and maintain competitive advantages.
During a recent press briefing, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that all major corporations have been informed about the newly imposed fee. “A hundred-thousand dollars a year for H-1B visas, and all of the big companies are on board. We’ve spoken to them,” Lutnick noted at an Oval Office gathering with Trump. He emphasized the importance of training American graduates instead of relying on foreign talent, advocating for a shift toward employing recent graduates from prominent U.S. universities.
On a different front, Trump mentioned that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had come to an agreement regarding TikTok. During a recent conversation, Trump indicated that Xi had approved a deal concerning the popular Chinese-owned social media platform, which faces potential restrictions in the U.S. However, specific details about the agreement remain unclear, with both leaders having not interacted since June.
In the legal realm, a federal judge dismissed Trump’s $15 billion defamation suit against The New York Times and others, citing the case’s overly aggressive nature and procedural shortcomings. U.S. District Court Judge Steven Merryday allowed Trump to refile and amend his complaint within a 28-day timeframe.
On the congressional front, the specter of a government shutdown loomed larger as Democrats rejected a Republican-backed spending bill, refusing to support it due to the absence of healthcare program protections. This division raised concerns about the federal government’s funding stability.
Further complicating the political landscape, the federal prosecutor for Eastern Virginia resigned amid pressure from Trump after his office concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge New York Attorney General Letitia James, a prominent critic of the former president.
In other news, the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has created a rift within the Democratic Party over a resolution seeking to honor him. Ultimately, a bipartisan vote ensued, with 95 Democrats supporting the resolution while 58 opposed it.
Senator Ted Cruz weighed in on media allegations made by the FCC chairman against ABC, drawing a parallel between those threats and tactics employed by mobsters, specifically referencing the film “Goodfellas.”
Lastly, Trump announced a military strike in the Caribbean that resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard a suspected drug trafficking vessel, claiming these actions were necessary to combat the influx of illicit narcotics. As these events unfold, political tensions and strategic decisions continue to intersect in Washington.
