The Rubin Report: Dave Rubin & Ro Khanna Debate Trump's 1st 100 Days & Are Judges Above the Law?

Release Date: May 1, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Rubin Report, host Dave Rubin engages in a robust debate with Congressman Ro Khanna from California's 17th district. The discussion delves deep into President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office, the administration's immigration policies, the role of judges in upholding the law, and the broader dynamics within the Democratic Party. This summary captures the essence of their conversation, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and insightful exchanges.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

Timestamp: 00:08 - 03:53

Dave Rubin opens the show with reflections on the rapid passage of time and introduces Congressman Ro Khanna as his co-host. Rubin emphasizes the difficulty in securing open conversations with Democrats, noting past guests like Bobby Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard. Despite these challenges, Ro Khanna's participation marks a significant moment for the show.

Dave Rubin:

"The whole point of America is that people who think differently about things can live in a country peacefully together."
(00:09)

Ro Khanna:

"It's important that we have an exchange of ideas, free speech, not to have censorship."
(02:27)

2. Economic Stagnation and Policy Responses

Timestamp: 05:20 - 09:26

The conversation shifts to economic stagnation over the past four decades. Khanna criticizes policies like NAFTA and the WTO's terms with China, highlighting the hollowing out of American industries such as steel, aluminum, and shipbuilding. He advocates for a "Marshall Plan for America," emphasizing federal investment to rebuild industries rather than relying solely on tariffs.

Ro Khanna:

"We need a Marshall Plan for America... where you need to build industry."
(05:20)

Dave Rubin:

"Did the Inflation Reduction Act not help stimulate the economy? Did it not just actually increase inflation?"
(06:04)

Khanna responds by distinguishing between broad industry support and strategic policies like the Chips and Science Act, which he helped author. He acknowledges the act's success in attracting investments, such as TSMC in Arizona, while critiquing the administration's inconsistent implementation.

3. Trump's Tariff Strategy and Its Implications

Timestamp: 08:06 - 09:55

Rubin questions Trump's blanket 10% tariffs on all countries, suggesting they create unpredictability and are not strategically targeted. Khanna partially agrees, supporting tariffs on specific industries like steel and aluminum but condemns the universal application.

Dave Rubin:

"He put a blanket 10% tariff on all these countries... this seems a negotiation tactic."
(08:06)

Ro Khanna:

"He's doing it in a strategic way it should have."
(09:26)

4. Immigration Policies and Judicial Overreach

Timestamp: 09:55 - 26:25

A significant portion of the debate centers on recent immigration enforcement actions, particularly the case involving Judge Hannah Dugan. Rubin questions Khanna's stance on her arrest for allegedly obstructing justice by facilitating the escape of an undocumented immigrant, Zachary Abrego.

Dave Rubin:

"You put up a video... she simply stood up for the rights of immigrants."
(09:55)

Ro Khanna:

"We need to demand the release of this judge and have due process."
(10:18)

Rubin challenges Khanna by asserting that Abrego was an illegal immigrant involved in serious crimes, questioning the administration's overreach. Khanna defends the necessity of due process even for undocumented individuals and criticizes the federal government's interference with state judges.

Ro Khanna:

"Imagine the federal government arresting state judges... I just think it's a dangerous line on federalism and separation of powers."
(17:19)

Rubin expresses skepticism about Khanna's use of the term "immigrant" without specifying legality, arguing it confuses the issue. Khanna clarifies his position, advocating for legal processes and a path to citizenship while emphasizing that due process should apply to all individuals in the U.S.

5. The Abrego Case and Constitutional Debates

Timestamp: 26:25 - 40:50

Rubin introduces the Abrego case, where Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was deported to El Salvador despite claims of genuine fear of persecution. He questions the constitutional implications of the Supreme Court's ruling that the Trump administration must facilitate Abrego's return.

Dave Rubin:

"The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration must facilitate... we can't force."
(38:50)

Ro Khanna:

"We hold ourselves up to the highest ideals... we preserve due process."
(34:43)

Khanna argues that even though Abrego is a citizen of El Salvador, the U.S. must uphold constitutional standards, including asylum laws and due process. He criticizes the administration for overstepping federal authority and highlights the importance of maintaining the rule of law.

6. Impeachment and Democratic Party Dynamics

Timestamp: 42:34 - 49:13

The discussion shifts to impeachment, with Rubin referencing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Bernie Sanders' positions. He questions whether impeaching Trump is beneficial for the Democratic Party, suggesting it may alienate voters.

Dave Rubin:

"Do you think this helps your party? Do you think that widens the tent that now is the Democrat Party?"
(44:00)

Ro Khanna:

"We need to be focused on our future as a party on the economy... new economic patriotism."
(44:28)

Khanna emphasizes moving beyond political theater and focusing on substantive economic policies to address the needs of neglected communities. He criticizes the party for not prioritizing economic reform and technological advancement.

7. Academic Freedom and Harvard's Admission Practices

Timestamp: 51:28 - 62:00

Rubin brings up Harvard University's admissions practices, citing a report on alleged anti-Semitism and biased admission rates favoring African American applicants over Asians. He questions Khanna's stance on race-based considerations in admissions.

Dave Rubin:

"If you are Asian and you apply to Harvard, you have a 12.7% chance of getting in. If you are African American, it's 56.1%."
(53:53)

Ro Khanna:

"Race and diversity of race is an important consideration... but not dispositive."
(54:18)

Khanna defends the consideration of race as one of many factors in admissions to ensure diversity, akin to military academies' practices. He rejects the notion of quotas but supports a holistic approach that includes economic and social factors.

Dave Rubin:

"Why do you think race matters? I don't think race matters."
(54:51)

Ro Khanna:

"We need to have our leadership reflect the beauty of this country... diversity is a consideration."
(57:05)

The debate highlights the ongoing tension between merit-based and diversity-driven admissions policies, with Khanna advocating for a balanced approach that enriches educational environments through varied experiences and backgrounds.

8. Future of the Democratic Party and Leadership

Timestamp: 62:00 - 66:46

Rubin questions the Democratic Party's direction, referencing candidates like Stephen A. Smith and the focus on race over economic issues. Khanna counters by emphasizing authentic engagement with diverse communities and the importance of strong economic policies.

Dave Rubin:

"It sounds like Democrats have a big mess on their hands... consider impeachment."
(65:12)

Ro Khanna:

"We have to show a willingness to go everywhere, an authenticity, a spontaneity... improve people's lives."
(66:46)

Khanna critiques the party's internal dynamics and calls for leadership that prioritizes economic security and technological advancement, moving away from identity politics to address the real needs of American citizens.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 67:15 - End

As the episode wraps up, Rubin reflects on the conversation, expressing frustration with the Democratic Party's current trajectory but acknowledging the value of open dialogue. He invites Ro Khanna to future discussions, highlighting the importance of diverse viewpoints in shaping America's future.

Dave Rubin:

"I think this perfectly shined a light on exactly why the Democrats are kind of screwy at the moment."
(67:28)

Ro Khanna:

"I genuinely believe we need more conversations like this... find constructive solutions."
(67:15)

The episode underscores the complexities of contemporary American politics, emphasizing the need for bipartisan discussions to navigate challenges related to immigration, economic policy, judicial authority, and party unity.

Notable Quotes:

• Ro Khanna (05:20): "We need a Marshall Plan for America... where you need to build industry."
• Dave Rubin (14:08): "If you had an illegal in your house and ICE came to your door and you hid them... the second he walks out of the courtroom, he should be arrested."
• Ro Khanna (37:51): "Every person in America also has free speech. I don't think we have lesser standards of due process for people in our borders."
• Ro Khanna (56:17): "Having talked to a lot of cadets, they're very, very qualified and they're also diverse and they're doing extraordinary work for our country."

This episode offers a nuanced exploration of pivotal issues facing the United States, reflecting the ongoing debates that shape the nation's political landscape.