Trump Urges Foreign Corporations to Train American Workers After Hyundai Raid
In the wake of a sweeping immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia—which resulted in the detention of nearly 475 workers, about 300 of whom were South Korean—President Donald Trump issued a pointed message to foreign companies operating in the U.S.
Taking to social media, he reassured investors that their contributions are valued, but underlined that legal compliance is non-negotiable. He emphasized that companies are welcome to bring in specialized technical personnel—provided it’s done legally—and added that his administration is open to facilitating their entry. In exchange, foreign firms are expected to hire and train American workers.
Trump reiterated this stance during a press interaction, highlighting a talent gap in critical industries like vehicle and battery manufacturing, shipbuilding, and computer production. He proposed allowing foreign experts to temporarily enter the U.S. to train local talent, aiming to reduce long-term reliance on foreign labor.
Despite the raid’s diplomatic shockwaves—particularly with South Korea—the president insisted it hasn’t damaged bilateral ties. Meanwhile, South Korea secured an agreement to repatriate its citizens, with a charter flight arrangement underway.
Trump’s comments underscore a dual approach: on one hand, safeguarding employment opportunities for American workers; on the other, ensuring foreign businesses can still contribute to the economy—if they do so within the framework of U.S. law. The message resonates as part of his broader industrial and immigration policy strategy, blending economic nationalism with controlled openness.
Taking to social media, he reassured investors that their contributions are valued, but underlined that legal compliance is non-negotiable. He emphasized that companies are welcome to bring in specialized technical personnel—provided it’s done legally—and added that his administration is open to facilitating their entry. In exchange, foreign firms are expected to hire and train American workers.
Trump reiterated this stance during a press interaction, highlighting a talent gap in critical industries like vehicle and battery manufacturing, shipbuilding, and computer production. He proposed allowing foreign experts to temporarily enter the U.S. to train local talent, aiming to reduce long-term reliance on foreign labor.
Despite the raid’s diplomatic shockwaves—particularly with South Korea—the president insisted it hasn’t damaged bilateral ties. Meanwhile, South Korea secured an agreement to repatriate its citizens, with a charter flight arrangement underway.
Trump’s comments underscore a dual approach: on one hand, safeguarding employment opportunities for American workers; on the other, ensuring foreign businesses can still contribute to the economy—if they do so within the framework of U.S. law. The message resonates as part of his broader industrial and immigration policy strategy, blending economic nationalism with controlled openness.