Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized major technology companies this week, accusing the industry of sending conflictiong messages about artificial intelligence and employment as concerns grow over AI replacing white-collar jobs.
In comments posted on social media platform X, DeSantis argued that large tech firms are warning about AI replacing workers while continuing to support the use of H-1B visas, a program that allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign employees. He said it was “not hard to see why people view Big Tech unfavorably.”
His comments come amid wider conversations within the technology sector about artificial intelligence reshaping the workforce. According to the Benzinga report, DeSantis was responding to discussion surrounding comments from Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, who recently warned that AI systems could automate many white-collar jobs within the next 18 months.
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“Tech folks forecasting the end of white-collar jobs while at the same time clinging to foreign visa programs that utilize cheap labor,” DeSantis wrote on X.
The H-1B visa program has always been a flashpoint in debates over the U.S. labor market and immigration policy. Supporters say the program helps companies recruit highly trained workers in specialized fields such as engineering and software development, while critics argue it affects domestic wages and hiring.
H-1B filings from several major technology firms, including Amazon, Google and Meta, declined in late 2025 even as AI investments accelerated across the industry.
DeSantis has previously backed efforts in Florida aimed at limiting H-1B hiring practices within state public universities. The governor has also been a publicly vocal about several large technology companies on issues ranging from content moderation to corporate influence in public policy.
His latest comments reflect growing political hypocrisy over how rapidly advancing AI technology could reshape the American workforce. Technology companies have invested heavily in generative AI tools over the past two years, fueling both optimism about productivity gains and fears of widespread job displacement.
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The debate has become increasingly prominent among Republican leaders aligned with President Donald Trump, many of whom have criticized corporate immigration programs while arguing that U.S. workers should receive greater protection during major economic and technological shifts.
DeSantis did not announce any new policy proposals in his latest remarks. However, his comments add to the broader national conversation over balancing technological innovation, labor concerns and immigration policy as AI adoption expands across industries.