President-elect Donald Trump often promises to put American workers first. On the campaign trail, he vowed, “We will build American, buy American, and hire American.” But the hiring practices of his own businesses tell a different story. According to government labor data, Trump’s companies hired more foreign guest workers in 2024 than in any other year on record.
This year alone, Trump’s businesses received approval to hire 209 foreign workers. These positions include cooks, housekeepers, servers, and desk clerks for properties such as the Mar-a-Lago Club and various golf courses. This number is almost double the foreign workers his businesses hired about a decade ago. Trump’s reliance on foreign labor has grown steadily over the years, with over 2,100 foreign workers hired by his companies since 2008.
But why Does Trump Hire Foreign Workers? Trump justifies his use of foreign guest workers by pointing to the seasonal nature of his businesses. For example, Mar-a-Lago, located in Palm Beach, Florida, thrives during the winter months when wealthy seasonal residents, often called “snowbirds,” flock to the area. Trump argues that these temporary jobs are less appealing to Americans seeking full-time employment.
Former employees at Trump’s clubs, however, have a different perspective. They believe that raising wages or offering better perks could attract more American workers. “If they paid more, Americans would take these jobs,” one anonymous former worker told CNN.
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Most of Trump’s guest workers are hired through the H-2B visa program. This program allows companies to employ foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs when no qualified Americans are available. While widely used in industries like hospitality, the program has been criticized for undercutting American workers’ bargaining power.
Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, supports tighter immigration controls and questions whether programs like H-2B should even exist. “These programs benefit businesses at the expense of workers,” he said. Krikorian added that the hospitality industry could instead create incentives for American workers, such as free airfare or housing.
On the other hand, some experts defend guest worker programs. Julia Dattolo, CEO of CareerSource Palm Beach County, explains that the high cost of living and low unemployment in areas like Palm Beach make it challenging to fill seasonal jobs with local workers. “Dozens of businesses in this area use guest workers,” she said, noting that employers must advertise these jobs to Americans first.
The use of foreign labor by Trump’s businesses raises questions about his commitment to his “Hire American” promise. “Trump blames immigrants for economic problems but also depends on them to run his businesses,” said Chloe East, an economist who studies immigration policy. This contradiction highlights the complexity of the U.S. labor market, where foreign workers play a vital role in certain industries.
Critics argue that Trump’s hiring practices undermine his “America First” agenda. Project 2025, a conservative plan co-authored by some of Trump’s allies, calls for stricter limits on programs like H-2B. Despite distancing himself from this plan during his campaign, Trump has since appointed one of its authors to a key budget position.
While Trump’s businesses benefit from foreign labor, his policies could make it harder for other companies to do the same. During his first term, Trump’s administration both expanded and restricted guest worker programs at different times. For example, he increased the number of H-2B visas available but also temporarily banned certain visas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The question remains: Can Trump reconcile his “Hire American” rhetoric with the realities of his business practices?
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
