America’s New Civil War: MAGA vs MAGA

America’s new civil war isn’t Republican versus Democrat—it’s Republican versus Republican, MAGA versus MAGA. In the heart of this storm? Indian-Americans, immigration, Big Tech and the new administration of Donald Trump, which includes many Indian-American members.

A movement in turmoil

Laura Loomer, a polarizing figure in MAGA circles, has declared open war on high-profile names like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. This infighting is fracturing the MAGA coalition and raising serious concerns about its future.

The Sriram Krishnan Controversy

The week’s drama began with Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American entrepreneur appointed by President-elect Donald Trump as his senior adviser on AI. Loomer denounced Krishnan’s appointment, calling it “a betrayal of American workers” and accusing him of advocating for H-1B visas. Her incendiary remarks, including labeling Indian immigrants as “Third World invaders”, drew widespread criticism but found traction among MAGA’s skeptical supporters.

On social media, Loomer criticized Trump, claiming, “The MAGA movement was built to protect American workers, not Silicon Valley billionaires.” She has even threatened to boycott the 2026 midterms unless the movement takes a tougher stance against high-skilled immigration.

Musk and Ramaswamy at stake

Loomer’s attacks extended to Elon Musk, accusing him of being compromised by Chinese interests. Musk dismissed her as “a troll,” prompting further escalation. Loomer accused Musk of favoring tech billionaires over America’s STEM graduates and undermining MAGA’s values. Musk countered, saying, “MAGA is about progress, not regression.”

Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy faced criticism for his pro-immigration stance. He sparked controversy with a tweet accusing American culture of celebrating “mediocrity over excellence.” He argued that this mindset stifled the US’s ability to produce world-class talent in fields such as engineering. Ramaswamy’s criticism extended to the popular media, where he lamented the glorification of prom queens and athletes over academically accomplished individuals.

Ramaswamy’s Cultural Criticism and Vision

Ramaswamy called for a cultural “Sputnik moment” to spur innovation, stressing the need to prioritize academic rigor and critical thinking over superficial accolades. His remarks drew sharp rebukes from conservatives like Nikki Haley, who defended American workers and culture, saying, “We should be investing in and prioritizing Americans, not foreign workers.” The clash highlights a growing divide within the GOP, pitting Ramaswamy’s pro-immigration policies against Haley’s focus on cultivating domestic talent.

Divided Loyalty in MAGA

Loomer’s attacks have led some MAGA supporters to question whether figures like Musk and Ramaswamy represent their interests. The debate reflects deeper tensions within the movement over immigration policy and the role of foreign workers in the US economy.

Trump’s appointment of Krishnan, designed to bolster his technology policies, inadvertently exposed these divisions. While Musk and Ramaswamy advocate an inclusive economic strategy, Loomer and her allies are calling for a tough, America-centric approach.

Trump’s silence and the MAGA identity crisis

Trump’s camp has remained silent on Loomer’s comments, raising questions about whether this is a calculated move to avoid alienating his base or a sign of a collapsing coalition.

Some supporters worry that Trump’s policies are “selling out” to Silicon Valley, while others see Loomer’s rhetoric as fracturing the movement. This internal conflict has left the MAGA movement struggling with an identity crisis.

The future of MAGA

As Loomer threatens to boycott the semifinals, the risk of a core fracture grows. Musk and Ramaswamy’s policies could reshape MAGA’s future, but the movement’s contradictions may ultimately lead to its downfall.

This internal civil war raises a pressing question: Can the MAGA movement reconcile its ideological divisions, or will these fractures undermine its strength once united?