Blue State Congressman Breaks Party Lines to Codify Trump's Recent Executive Order

Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, has been among the most vocal critics of former President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly on tariffs and immigration. However, the recent executive order signed by Trump to address prescription drug prices has prompted Khanna to take a markedly different approach: advocating for bipartisan cooperation rather than political sparring.

On Wednesday, Khanna introduced new legislation that would lock Trump’s executive order into federal law. The order aims to ensure Americans pay no more for prescription medications than patients in other countries, and it empowers Cabinet secretaries to challenge pharmaceutical companies accused of price gouging. In an exclusive interview, Khanna emphasized the urgent need for congressional action after earlier attempts to curb drug prices via executive power were stalled in court challenges.

“President Trump’s executive order says that Americans should pay the least price. We should not pay any more than people are paying in countries overseas. Then, it gives the Cabinet secretaries the ability to go after Big Pharma companies that are price-gouging... That’s why we need Congress to act,” Khanna explained, underscoring his commitment to codifying Trump’s approach and his hope for Republican co-sponsors.

Amid persistent divisions within the Democratic Party—especially following defeats in last year’s elections—many Democrats have gravitated toward rejecting Trump-era initiatives outright. National protests and internal debates continue to reflect the tensions within the party. Yet, Khanna stands out for his willingness to work with Trump if it benefits ordinary Americans.

• “If Donald Trump says that’s something that’s good for the American people, I’m not going to oppose it just for political points,” Khanna stated.
• He reiterated that, for him, the ultimate test is whether a policy helps people.

As speculation swirls around the 2028 presidential race, Khanna has raised his national profile, traveling across the country and articulating his legislative vision. Other prominent Democrats, such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have faced criticism from within their own ranks for working directly with Trump to achieve state-level policy goals.

Khanna made clear that bipartisan cooperation should not be hindered by concerns over which party claims credit for successful initiatives. “So much of politics is, ‘Oh, we don’t want to give the other side a political win.’ For all I care, [Trump] can have a great political win if the American public gets lower drug prices.”

Although Khanna has not spoken with Trump about codifying the executive order, he delivered a widely-shared speech on the House floor, challenging Republicans to join Democrats in supporting the legislation. “Are you on the side of the people, or are you on the side of the $16 billion in Big Pharma lobbyist money that was spent last year?” Khanna asked, urging bipartisan backing for what he described as straightforward legislation.

Khanna also pointed out that his efforts to bring down drug costs are longstanding, referencing past collaborations with Senator Bernie Sanders aimed at similar reform. “It’s time that Americans be treated fairly,” he said, noting the broad public consensus that prescription drug prices are excessively high.

In an unexpected turn, Khanna also spoke candidly about President Joe Biden’s decision to seek re-election in 2024—a campaign for which Khanna served as a surrogate. In a television appearance, he said plainly, “Obviously, he should not have run. We should be clear to say that… There should have been an open primary.”

Khanna admitted that the Democratic Party must take accountability for its choices in the wake of mounting concerns about Biden’s health and political strategy. “We should be honest as a party that we made a mistake,” he concluded, advocating for greater transparency and a renewed focus on serving the interests of the American public above party politics.