The transcript below details an interview with Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, which was broadcast on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on April 13, 2025.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We now turn to Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democratic representative from California, who is speaking to us this morning from Ohio. Good morning, Congressman.
REP. RO KHANNA: Good morning, Margaret.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Before we dive into the developments in Silicon Valley regarding trade and technology, I’d like to get your thoughts as a member of the Armed Services Committee on recent announcements. The President has authorized the military to take control of a significant area of public land along the southern border, including parts in California. This means the Pentagon’s budget could be directed toward things like border security or even the detention of migrants in that region. Has Congress been briefed on these plans? Do you have any insight into what’s going on?
REP. KHANNA: We have not been briefed. It is long-standing law that the military cannot be used for domestic enforcement, which violates the Constitution. I hope the Supreme Court will rule unanimously against it, just as they determined the deportation of Abrego was unconstitutional. However, we haven’t received specific details, and this action is clearly against the law.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You referenced Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was detained and subsequently sent to a prison in El Salvador. The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration must assist in his return, but did not decide on whether he was a gang member. The Justice Department could not validate that claim. Why did you mention that case specifically as an example?
REP. KHANNA: It illustrates that this administration is taking unconstitutional actions. Vice President Vance claimed that Abrego was an M-13 gang member without legal rights, but the Supreme Court clarified that he does have those rights. Similarly, we now face an administration using the military for domestic enforcement, which is illegal. I believe even this conservative Supreme Court would find it unconstitutional.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Regarding Garcia, ICE stated it was an administrative error that resulted in his initial arrest. The Trump administration claims the issue is now with the President of El Salvador, who is scheduled to visit the White House this week. We’ll be monitoring that situation. Shifting topics, the President recently sent his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to meet with Iranian officials. While not much is known yet, the US military has repositioned as many as six B-2 bombers in the Indian Ocean—aircraft capable of targeting underground nuclear facilities. Do you believe President Trump would require congressional approval for a strike, especially if it supports an Israeli-led attack on Iran?
REP. KHANNA: Absolutely. A significant portion of our B-2 bombers are there. Their actions in Yemen are unconstitutional, as I stated during Biden’s strikes. Congress must be involved. The President was elected on a platform opposing the use of tax dollars for further military actions in the Middle East. He’s not adhering to the wishes of his base, which does not want more strikes. In Yemen, the conflict with the Saudis has dragged on for nearly a decade without resolving issues with the Houthis. The President promised diplomacy but has not yet delivered, and instead, we see escalating tensions.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We’ll see what unfolds from the diplomatic efforts in the near future. Now, why are you in Ohio speaking with us today? I understand you also plan to visit Yale Law in Connecticut this Tuesday. Is this an attempt to provoke Vice President Vance? If so, why?
REP. KHANNA: Not at all. I was invited by the Cleveland City Club to speak about the economy and tariffs. The situation has been chaotic and poorly managed. Howard Lutnick mentioned bringing electronics manufacturing back to the U.S., but they quickly realized that would not occur, and prices for the iPhone could soar to $1700 or $2000. If production were to leave, it might relocate to Malaysia or Vietnam, which is why they scrapped the tariffs on electronics manufacturing—accounting for about a third of our trade deficit. I’m here to emphasize that to revive electronics manufacturing in the U.S., we need an electronic manufacturing hub. The approach should not be blanket tariffs but rather investments in engineering, workforce development, tax credits, and government procurement of U.S. products. The administration lacks a coherent plan for achieving advanced manufacturing domestically.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Your district encompasses Silicon Valley. Are you receiving input from local CEOs? Who are they lobbying to secure these exemptions?
REP. KHANNA: They are advocating for sound economic policies. They are trying to engage anyone at the White House, stressing that the screws in an iPhone account for merely 0.1% of the total cost. They argue against outdated policies from the McKinley era and point out that bringing production back to the U.S. isn’t feasible without investing in workforce development and providing tax incentives for factories. All I’m advocating for is effective economic policy. Polls show these aren’t just hypotheticals; the President will face real outcomes. We will see new factories or we won’t, and tariffs alone won’t drive that change.
MARGARET BRENNAN: While there’s no clear timeline for semiconductor tariffs, the administration claims they’re forthcoming and intends to avoid giving China an advantage in tech. What implications will that have for your region?
REP. KHANNA: They still lack clarity on timing and are fundamentally opposed to the CHIPS Act. Imposing tariffs on China could simply shift production to other parts of Asia without resulting in a return to the U.S. unless factories are financed here and we commit to purchasing domestically made goods. Tariffs can serve as tools within a broader Hamiltonian industrial policy, which is the essence of my message here in Ohio: we need strategies that genuinely promote advanced manufacturing in our country.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Congressman Khanna. We will continue to follow the developments closely. We’ll be right back.
