The Stephen A. Smith Show Featuring Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA)

Release Date: June 29, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Guest: Representative Ro Khanna, California's 17th Congressional District

1. Introduction and Welcome

The episode begins with Stephen A. Smith welcoming Representative Ro Khanna back to "The Stephen A. Smith Show." The host expresses enthusiasm about having Khanna discuss pressing political issues beyond the typical sports commentary, emphasizing the show's commitment to tackling subjects across various societal domains.

2. State of California and National Guard Deployment

Timestamp: [00:31] – [02:04]

Stephen A. Smith opens the discussion by addressing the recent deployment of 1,400 National Guardsmen, 1,700 Marines, and 700 United States Marines to Los Angeles, a move orchestrated by President Trump amid distractions from the Israeli-Iranian tensions.

Key Points:

• Khanna criticizes the use of federal troops in California, asserting that local authorities should handle internal conflicts.
• Emphasizes the importance of maintaining public safety and condemning violence without federal overreach.

Notable Quote:

"No one should be engaged in violence or harassment against law enforcement officers... And the president, in my view, clearly overreached." — Rep. Ro Khanna [01:08]

3. California as a Sanctuary State and ICE Enforcement

Timestamp: [02:04] – [04:19]

Stephen A. Smith probes into California's status as a sanctuary state and its impact on ICE operations, questioning whether this stance has influenced President Trump's actions.

Key Points:

• Khanna differentiates between violent undocumented individuals and those contributing economically.
• Advocates for deporting only those involved in criminal activities while providing pathways to legalization for law-abiding, tax-paying undocumented workers.
• References his op-ed in Fox News proposing a focus on enforcement against violent criminals.

Notable Quote:

"Most Americans want... if you're working here, paying taxes, you should have some path to stay in the country and work." — Rep. Ro Khanna [04:19]

4. Iran-Israel Conflict and War Powers Resolution

Timestamp: [04:46] – [08:11]

The conversation shifts to international affairs, specifically the Iran-Israel tensions. Representative Khanna discusses his introduction of a war powers resolution alongside Republican Rep. Thomas Massie.

Key Points:

• Both representatives aim to limit executive overreach in declaring wars without Congressional approval.
• Khanna underscores bipartisan fatigue with endless overseas conflicts, citing past engagements in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Yemen as unconstitutional or mismanaged.
• Emphasizes the necessity of Congressional authorization before military action, aligning with the majority public sentiment against prolonged wars.

Notable Quotes:

"This is not a partisan issue... we're saying two things: Congress must be involved, and the American people are sick of this." — Rep. Ro Khanna [06:00]
"We have more troops in the Middle East... Why aren't we spending that money on building manufacturing here?" — Rep. Ro Khanna [08:11]

5. Bipartisan Cooperation and Political Dynamics

Timestamp: [08:11] – [10:45]

Stephen A. Smith challenges Khanna on his bipartisan alliances, particularly with figures like Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson, questioning the viability of such collaborations.

Key Points:

• Khanna defends his position, stating the importance of agreeing on specific issues regardless of partisan labels.
• Highlights the need for honesty in political discourse, endorsing alignment with diverse viewpoints when they align with his policy goals.
• Clarifies that his approach is about policy over party allegiance, advocating for a unified national stance rather than tribal politics.

Notable Quote:

"The American people want folks to just call it as they see it... When they say something I agree with, I'm going to be honest and say, yes, I agree with them." — Rep. Ro Khanna [08:35]

6. Key Issues for Bipartisan Collaboration

Timestamp: [10:54] – [12:43]

Khanna outlines three primary areas where bipartisan efforts could yield significant progress, advocating for collaboration between the left and right.

Key Points:

1. Campaign Finance Reform: Advocates banning super PACs to eliminate disproportionate influence by wealthy donors.
2. Prescription Drug Pricing: Supports measures to regulate pharmaceutical pricing, ensuring Americans do not pay exorbitant rates compared to other countries.
3. Defense Budget Realignment: Proposes reducing the defense budget to reallocate funds toward domestic priorities like manufacturing, healthcare, and childcare.

Notable Quote:

"We need a message about how we're going to create good-paying jobs in America through technology." — Rep. Ro Khanna [12:43]

7. U.S. Bombing of Iran: Successes and Criticisms

Timestamp: [12:43] – [18:15]

Discussing the recent U.S. military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities, Khanna provides a critical analysis of their effectiveness and future strategies.

Key Points:

• Acknowledges some damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear capabilities but questions the long-term impact.
• Criticizes both previous administrations for unconstitutional actions in foreign interventions.
• Advocates for diplomatic solutions with rigorous verification, moving away from periodic military strikes.
• Stresses the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon through verified agreements rather than force.

Notable Quote:

"We need to engage in verification and get the IEA inspectors there like we had in the JCPOA." — Rep. Ro Khanna [18:15]

8. TikTok Ban and Digital Regulations

Timestamp: [18:42] – [19:34]

Stephen A. Smith brings up the ongoing debate over TikTok, which has been extended for a third time despite legislative efforts to mandate the sale of its parent company, ByteDance.

Key Points:

• Khanna opposes a complete ban on TikTok, highlighting the economic and free speech implications for 175 million users, including 1.5 million content creators.
• Suggests alternative measures, such as requiring ByteDance to become an American company, ensuring data storage within the U.S., and criminalizing algorithmic interference by Chinese entities.
• Supports President Trump’s efforts to regulate the app rather than outright banning it.

Notable Quote:

"We can't kick 175 million people off of an app... We should require the company to be an American company." — Rep. Ro Khanna [18:42]

9. Proposed Ban on Online Fantasy Sports

Timestamp: [19:46] – [20:45]

The discussion turns to an unexpected topic: California legislators' proposal to ban online fantasy sports.

Key Points:

• Khanna vehemently opposes the ban, defending the economic and recreational value of fantasy sports.
• Draws parallels between the livelihoods dependent on such platforms and traditional industries like steel.
• Criticizes the Democratic Party for proposing what he views as trivial or detrimental laws, questioning their priorities.

Notable Quote:

"To shut all that down would be devastating for the economy, not to mention for free speech." — Rep. Ro Khanna [19:46]

10. Democratic Primary and Economic Messaging

Timestamp: [21:11] – [22:18]

Stephen A. Smith inquires about the recent Democratic primary where Zoran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, exploring its implications for the Democratic Party.

Key Points:

• Khanna interprets Mamdani’s victory as a clear message that voters prioritize the cost of living and economic affordability over traditional political issues.
• Highlights Mamdani’s focus on policies to reduce living costs, lower rents, and make New York affordable again as resonating with voters.
• Argues that the Democratic Party needs to center its messaging on economic issues and job creation to address the affordability crisis.

Notable Quote:

"People care about the cost of living... We need a message about how we're going to create good-paying jobs in America." — Rep. Ro Khanna [22:18]

11. Political Ambitions and Independent Politics

Timestamp: [23:01] – [26:01]

In response to Stephen A. Smith’s query about potential gubernatorial or presidential ambitions, Khanna emphasizes the need for independent voices in politics.

Key Points:

• Khanna expresses a desire for political leadership that transcends strict party lines, advocating for a coalition that incorporates the best ideas from all sides.
• Stresses the importance of addressing economic disparities, leveraging technological advancements like AI for job creation, and fostering national unity.
• Acknowledges the challenges of such an approach within the current political climate but remains committed to independent, non-partisan politics.

Notable Quotes:

"We need more independent voices... people focused on the economy." — Rep. Ro Khanna [23:01]
"There are other presidents who have committed unconstitutional things... we have to bring the country together in a big coalition." — Rep. Ro Khanna [26:01]

12. Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the interview by expressing appreciation for Representative Khanna's insights and inviting him to return for future discussions. Khanna reciprocates the sentiment, emphasizing the honor of participating and the importance of ongoing communication.

Final Thoughts

Representative Ro Khanna delivered a comprehensive and nuanced discussion on "The Stephen A. Smith Show," addressing a wide array of issues from local California politics to international relations. His emphasis on bipartisan cooperation, economic reform, and independent political thought highlights his commitment to pragmatic solutions over partisan rhetoric. Notably, Khanna advocates for realistic and verifiable approaches to both domestic and foreign policies, underscoring the need for unity and common-sense governance in today's polarized political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Rep. Ro Khanna: "No one should be engaged in violence or harassment against law enforcement officers... And the president, in my view, clearly overreached." [01:08]
• Rep. Ro Khanna: "Most Americans want... if you're working here, paying taxes, you should have some path to stay in the country and work." [04:19]
• Rep. Ro Khanna: "This is not a partisan issue... we're saying two things: Congress must be involved, and the American people are sick of this." [06:00]
• Rep. Ro Khanna: "We need to engage in verification and get the IEA inspectors there like we had in the JCPOA." [18:15]
• Rep. Ro Khanna: "We can't kick 175 million people off of an app... We should require the company to be an American company." [18:42]
• Rep. Ro Khanna: "We need more independent voices... people focused on the economy." [23:01]

This summary encapsulates the breadth of topics discussed in the episode, providing a structured and detailed overview for those who have not listened to the full podcast.