Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) argued Thursday on MS NOW’s “The Weeknight” that Democrats offer “a much smarter strategy on national security,” sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s handling of Middle East policy.
Khanna said he had believed J.D. Vance and Donald Trump wanted to move the United States away from “endless wars,” but he accused them of instead drifting into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East against what he described as a dangerous adversary. He said the situation was especially troubling because some figures in and around the administration, including Ted Cruz, had shown a lack of basic knowledge about Iran, even its population. In Khanna’s view, that combination of bravado and inexperience has created a serious mess: American service members are now at risk, ammunition supplies are strained, and Americans are already dealing with high food and gas prices. He warned that even the best likely outcome could leave Iran with some degree of control over the Strait of Hormuz. Khanna stressed that the Democratic position is not only about defending human rights or pursuing diplomacy, but also about advancing a stronger national security strategy. He said President Trump and Vice President Vance have made the country less safe.
Khanna also suggested that Trump may not be focused on the political consequences heading into the midterm elections. If he were, Khanna said, he would be working to end the war. That, he argued, is what makes the moment so alarming: if politics will not move Trump, then Democratic control of Congress may be the only way to stop funding for the conflict.
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