Trump Slams Homeland Security as ‘Stupid’ Over Hyundai Raid in Georgia, Says Americans Need Foreign Training

President Donald Trump told a U.S Saudi Investment Forum that he stepped in and scolded officials over a factory sweep in Georgia. “And I said, stop it. Don’t be stupid. And we worked it out. And now they’re teaching our people how to do it,” he said, putting the dispute in plain words before a room of investors and diplomats.

He framed the comment as a defense of jobs and of getting factories running on time. “Our people have to be taught. This is something they’ve never done,” he added, arguing that short term experts are needed to train American workers and speed hiring.

Trump used the forum to press a broader theme about skills and industry. He warned that new factories need trained staff and that blunt enforcement can slow projects and cost jobs. He tied the point to wider worries about how to keep factories competitive in a changing global market.

Officials say nearly 500 people were detained at the construction site and that work paused. Lawyers and rights groups say some held may have had short term visas or travel authorizations meant for technical visits. Those claims raise legal questions and have deepened the diplomatic strain with Seoul.

Industry leaders say battery assembly needs specialist knowledge and that bringing in trainers for a short time is common when factories start. Hyundai and its partners asked for clearer visa rules so firms can bring in technical staff without fear. Business groups now warn that strict enforcement could chill future projects.

At the forum Trump also tied the battery issue to wider tech concerns. “But they’re going to have to spend, Jensen, I don’t think you can open up a big plant with your friend from Taiwan where we’re going to have 40 or 50 percent of the computer chip business at a very I don’t think you can do that with people that don’t even know what a chip looks like. Do you agree with that?” he asked, pressing the point that skills and training matter as much as rules.

Online reactions on X were sharp and blunt.

Lawyers for some workers say their clients were told their visits were legal and needed for training. Leaked files and lawyer statements have pushed civil rights groups to ask for a review of how the sweep was done. Diplomats from Seoul moved fast to seek answers and to arrange returns for many detained nationals.

Featured image via X screengrab