US President Donald Trump’s base erupted in anger on Tuesday over his proposal to admit hundreds of thousands of Chinese students into American universities – a move they see as a betrayal of his “America first” agenda.
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In a sharp U-turn from his administration’s earlier stance to “aggressively revoke” visas for Chinese students, the “Make America Great Again” leader on Monday called it “very important” to let 600,000 Chinese students in as bilateral trade talks continue.
The controversy exposes cracks within Trump’s Maga base, which has recently witnessed a wave of discontent over his administration’s failure to release files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
It further highlights how Trump’s volatile China policy remains a flashpoint. Once seen as “tough” on China, Trump now faces growing scrutiny from supporters who view his moves as dangerous concessions to Beijing.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, argued that admitted Chinese students “may be loyal” to the Chinese Communist Party.
“Why are we allowing 600,000 students from China to replace our American student’s opportunities?” she posted on social media on Monday.