The New Yorker Radio Hour: Representative Ro Khanna on Elon Musk and the Tech Oligarchy

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, host David Remnick engages in an insightful conversation with Representative Ro Khanna of California's 17th district. As a progressive voice from the heart of Silicon Valley, Khanna delves into the intricate relationship between technology billionaires like Elon Musk and the broader implications of a tech-driven oligarchy on American democracy.

The Political Landscape: A Fragile Republican Majority

David Remnick sets the stage by highlighting the recent swearing-in of a new Congress, marked by a narrow Republican majority despite President Donald Trump's landslide claims. Khanna emphasizes the precariousness of the GOP's position, noting, “they can barely afford to lose a vote if they're going to pass any legislation” (00:56).

Intimidation and Corporate Compliance under Trump

Khanna discusses the pervasive atmosphere of intimidation fostered by Trump, particularly among tech leaders who fear punitive measures. He states, “Trump's whole thing is intimidation... there's a sense of, are we going to be taking the wrath of this MAGA base?” (02:53). This climate compels even influential figures in Silicon Valley to tread carefully, stifling proactive engagement with legislative processes.

Democratic Introspection and Reconnecting with Voters

Contrasting the Republican approach, Khanna observes a significant shift within the Democratic caucus toward introspection. “[...] we miss something over the last 50 years, that liberal democracy has missed something about people who've been left out of globalization, people who've been left out of automation” (04:10). This self-examination is seen as a hopeful sign for the party's efforts to regain trust among economically struggling voters.

Challenging the 'Wokeism' Critique

Addressing Republican critiques that Democrats are "out of touch" and "enthralled to wokeism," Khanna offers a nuanced defense. “[T]reat people with basic respect... but what then is the issue?... people have lost their pride, they lost their means of making a living” (05:02). He argues that the real disconnect lies in the party's inability to resonate with voters who feel marginalized by economic changes.

The Rise of the Tech Oligarchy

A central theme of the conversation is the growing influence of tech billionaires like Elon Musk. Khanna warns against the formation of a dangerous oligarchy, stating, “the tech community is going to be a bigger and bigger part of American political life, much like the railroad industry probably was in the late 19th century” (07:40). He criticizes the tech industry's ideology that portrays government as the antagonist, advocating for minimal regulation to foster unrestricted innovation.

Elon Musk: A Double-Edged Sword in Politics

Khanna scrutinizes Elon Musk's burgeoning political clout, expressing concern over the lack of financial disclosure and the potential for undue influence. “when you talk about Musk... you will point out where else I have danger, there's danger” (10:27). He highlights Musk's contradictory behavior, praising him one moment and criticizing him the next, which Khanna finds disingenuous and indicative of broader systemic issues.

Campaign Finance and Democratic Integrity

Addressing the influence of money in politics, Khanna condemns the role of billionaires in election financing. “I think that's a perversion of American democracy” (10:38). He advocates for stricter campaign finance reforms, including limits on super PAC contributions, to restore democratic integrity and reduce the disproportionate sway of wealthy individuals.

Reimagining Political Discourse

Khanna laments the degradation of political discourse under Trump, noting a shift towards sensationalism over substance. “what if Martin Luther King had done that or Barack Obama had done that or John F. Kennedy had done that? That's having a corrosive effect” (24:36). He calls for politicians to inspire and uplift rather than resort to divisive rhetoric.

Strategies for Democratic Success

Looking ahead to the midterm elections in 2026, Khanna outlines a twofold strategy:

1. Economic Contrast: Clearly differentiate Democratic economic policies from Trump's, emphasizing wage increases, healthcare, and education over tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.
2. Democratizing the Digital Sphere: Advocate for the democratization of digital platforms to foster more equitable public discourse, drawing parallels to historical shifts like the advent of the printing press.

Addressing Deindustrialization and Economic Inequality

Khanna acknowledges the persistent challenges of deindustrialization and income inequality. He proposes a "progressive capitalist" approach, combining economic growth through innovation with robust government intervention to ensure equitable wealth distribution. “[...] mobilize economic growth with innovation and technology in these places. Combined with government saying, okay, we're going to tax billionaires more and invest in health care and education” (26:58).

Political Ambitions and Future Leadership

When discussing his own political aspirations, Khanna expresses a desire to be part of a Democratic Party that rebuilds trust with marginalized communities. While he remains open to presidential ambitions, his immediate focus is on winning the 2026 midterms to strengthen the party’s position and influence future national conversations.

Conclusion: Upholding Democratic Values Amidst Tech Dominance

Representative Ro Khanna's conversation with David Remnick offers a critical examination of the intersection between technology, wealth, and politics. Khanna underscores the necessity of reinvigorating democratic institutions, ensuring economic opportunities for all, and curbing the outsized influence of tech oligarchs. His insights call for a balanced approach that embraces technological advancement while safeguarding democratic integrity and social equity.

Notable Quotes

• Ro Khanna (00:56): "They can barely afford to lose a vote if they're going to pass any legislation."
• Ro Khanna (02:53): "Trump's whole thing is intimidation... there's a sense of, are we going to be taking the wrath of this MAGA base?"
• Ro Khanna (04:10): "We miss something over the last 50 years, that liberal democracy has missed something about people who've been left out of globalization..."
• Ro Khanna (05:02): "What then is the issue?... people have lost their pride, they lost their means of making a living."
• Ro Khanna (07:40): "The tech community is going to be a bigger and bigger part of American political life..."
• Ro Khanna (10:27): "When you talk about Musk... there's danger."
• Ro Khanna (24:36): "What if Martin Luther King had done that... That's having a corrosive effect."
• Ro Khanna (26:58): "Mobilize economic growth with innovation and technology... Combined with government saying, we're going to tax billionaires more and invest in health care and education."

About Representative Ro Khanna

Representative Ro Khanna of California's 17th district serves as a prominent progressive voice advocating for economic equity, technological accountability, and democratic integrity. Born to Indian immigrants and a former lawyer for tech companies, Khanna leverages his unique position in Silicon Valley to challenge the disproportionate influence of tech moguls in politics. His ongoing efforts aim to bridge the economic divide and ensure that technological advancements benefit all sectors of society.