US President Donald Trump, who is known for his strict immigration stance, admitted on Wednesday that he has been criticised by his own “Make America Great Again” supporters. The criticism came after he recently said that some skilled immigrants should be allowed into the United States.

Speaking to business leaders, Trump said that the US needs experts who can train American workers for high-tech jobs in advanced factories. He explained that allowing such workers does not go against his political beliefs.

“I love my conservative friends. I love MAGA. But this is MAGA,” Trump said at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, where he appeared with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“Those people are going to teach our people how to make computer chips, and in a short period of time, our people are going to be doing great. And those people can go home.”

His comments received applause from the audience.

Trump had faced similar questions last week during an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham. She argued that the US should not bring in “tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands” of foreign workers.

Trump disagreed, saying, “You also have to bring in talent.”

When Ingraham insisted that “you have plenty of talented people here,” Trump replied, “No, you don't,” adding that “people have to learn.”

His remarks led to strong online criticism from some MAGA supporters, who oppose expanding programmes such as H-1B visas meant for skilled foreign workers. They argue that such programmes bring in too many immigrants, while Trump believes they are needed to help American workers learn specialized skills.