Interview with Congressman Ro Khanna on "Face the Nation," April 13, 2025

Military Usage and Constitutional Debates

MARGARET BRENNAN: Joining us today is Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, who is currently in Ohio. Welcome, Congressman.

REP. RO KHANNA: Thank you, Margaret. Happy to be here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Before we delve into matters concerning Silicon Valley and technology, I wanted to get your perspective as someone on the Armed Services Committee. Recently, the President decided to allow the military to commandeer public lands along the southern border, including in your home state, to enhance border security, possibly even for detaining migrants. Has there been any briefing to Congress about this move?

REP. KHANNA: Unfortunately, we have not been briefed. Using the military for internal law enforcement contravenes established legal principles and the Constitution itself. I'm optimistic that the Supreme Court will unanimously find it unconstitutional, similar to the case of Abrego Garcia, whose deportation was deemed unlawful.

Case of Abrego Garcia and the Role of the Supreme Court

MARGARET BRENNAN: You mentioned Abrego Garcia, who was deported and then imprisoned in El Salvador. Although the Supreme Court mandated his return to the U.S., it did not rule on his alleged gang affiliations. Could you elaborate on why you highlight this case?

REP. KHANNA: This case reflects the administration's readiness to bypass constitutional provisions. Vice President Vance claimed Garcia was a gang member devoid of rights, yet the Court acknowledged his legal protections. Similarly, employing military forces for domestic purposes also breaches legal boundaries, which I believe even the current Court will reject.

Military Strategy and Congressional Oversight

MARGARET BRENNAN: Turning to another issue, there are reports of diplomatic engagement with Iran. However, simultaneously, six B-2 bombers are stationed in the Indian Ocean, presumably as a military contingency. Do you think President Trump needs Congress’s go-ahead if the U.S. were to support an Israeli offensive against Iran?

REP. KHANNA: Yes, he absolutely requires Congressional consent. The situation in Yemen has been deemed unconstitutional, and similar scrutiny would apply here. Our electorate voted for a diplomatic rather than a military approach in the Middle East, yet the administration seems to be ignoring this mandate.

Economic Policies and Trade Discussions

MARGARET BRENNAN: I understand you’re in Ohio to discuss economic matters. Does this trip include any intention to interact with Vice President Vance?

REP. KHANNA: Not intentionally. My visit is centered around a speech at Cleveland City Club about the economy, specifically on tariffs. Industry leaders, like Howard Lutnick, initially envisioned a resurgence of U.S. manufacturing, which proved economically unfeasible, causing potential price hikes on products like iPhones.

REP. KHANNA: A strategy involving investment in manufacturing infrastructure and workforce development is essential for meaningful changes, something similar to the efforts seen through the CHIPS Act. The administration’s current approach fails to create such a foundation.

Silicon Valley's Stake in Trade Policies

MARGARET BRENNAN: Given your representation of Silicon Valley, what are the tech sector's conversations with the administration regarding tariffs?

REP. KHANNA: Industry leaders advocate for well-informed policies. Blanket tariffs could inflate costs without achieving desired outcomes. A calculated policy is necessary, potentially involving domestic purchase incentives and tax credits to encourage U.S.-based production.

MARGARET BRENNAN: It’s still unclear when semiconductor tariffs may be enforced. How might this uncertainty affect your region?

REP. KHANNA: The lack of details on tariffs or opposition to the CHIPS Act hinders planning. Tariffs should be a component of broader industrial strategies intended to facilitate production within the U.S., not merely shift it elsewhere in Asia.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for your insights, Congressman Khanna.