Ro Khanna’s Epstein Files Victory — Building a Cross‑Partisan 'Economic Patriotism' Playbook

Rep. Ro Khanna secured a rare bipartisan victory when Congress passed legislation to release the Jeffrey Epstein files — a result he says pierced the MAGA coalition and could inform a potential 2028 presidential bid. The bill, written with Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and cosponsored by GOP Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Nancy Mace (S.C.) and Lauren Boebert (Colo.), cleared both chambers and now awaits the president’s signature.

In an interview with Sahil Kapur just before the House vote, Khanna framed the measure as part of a wider national agenda. "Whatever role I have, I hope it’s a role in shaping the national future of the Democratic Party and the country," he said. Khanna described his aim to build an enduring coalition around what he calls economic patriotism — a platform that he believes can unite elements of the left and right by opposing elite capture and prioritizing ordinary Americans.

Khanna’s Cross‑Partisan Strategy

Khanna’s approach stands out from other potential Democratic contenders. He lacks the blunt rhetoric of some statewide figures and does not cultivate the same national progressive celebrity as others, but he has repeatedly sought GOP partners on populist issues. Examples include teaming with Rep. Don Bacon (R‑Neb.) to repeal tariffs on coffee, working with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R‑Pa.) and Jodey Arrington (R‑Texas) on proposed congressional term limits, and joining Republicans to rein in warrantless surveillance under FISA Section 702 and to oppose U.S. military involvement in Yemen.

“That’s a criticism I sometimes get,” Khanna said of his willingness to work with MAGA‑aligned Republicans.

Trump, the Saudi Crown Prince and a Packed Foreign‑Policy Plate

President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a high‑profile investor event at the Kennedy Center. The visit produced a security agreement and U.S. commitments that reportedly include discussions of F‑35 fighter jets, future civilian nuclear cooperation, and improved access to advanced AI and semiconductor technology.

Bin Salman’s first U.S. visit in seven years was cast as an opportunity to move past the controversy surrounding the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and to deepen strategic ties. Saudi Arabia remains a central player in U.S. efforts to address regional crises, including the future of Gaza and diplomatic pressure related to normalization with Israel.

Sudan’s Devastating Conflict

Trump said the crown prince urged him to address the crisis in Sudan, which has morphed into one of the deadliest conflicts in recent memory. Hundreds of thousands have been killed or displaced, and international diplomatic efforts have so far failed to secure a ceasefire. U.S. officials and foreign diplomats have reported that rebel forces received significant weapons shipments from an allied country in the region, while Saudi Arabia has backed the incumbent regime out of concern that the country could become a sanctuary for extremist groups.

Recent rebel gains, including control of El Fashir, have heightened fears of a central government collapse and broader regional instability, underlining why Sudan is increasingly prominent on the short list of foreign‑policy crises.

Other Developments to Watch

• Ukraine diplomacy: Reports say a Trump special envoy has discussed offering territorial concessions to Russia in exchange for security guarantees to restart stalled negotiations.
• Justice Department: Prosecutors acknowledged procedural errors by a grand jury in the case involving former FBI Director James Comey; the mistake could jeopardize the indictment.
• Health policy: Republicans have ramped up attacks on Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and signaled they won’t extend them in their current form.
• State politics: In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis reportedly sought financial backing from GOP megadonor Ken Griffin for a primary challenger in a 2026 gubernatorial race; Griffin declined. In California, billionaire Tom Steyer has entered the governor’s contest.
• Party dynamics: The Democratic Party’s internal succession debates are colliding with efforts to replace long‑time leaders in California.
• Election administration: Several Texas counties are considering or planning to count primary ballots by hand next March, a costly measure that could slow results and raise legal and logistical questions.
• Immigration deployments: Federal deployments of immigration agents and National Guard troops to some Democratic‑run cities have provoked concerns among progressive officials about potential political motives.
• New York: Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani announced he will keep Jessica Tisch as New York City’s police commissioner, maintaining leadership continuity at the nation’s largest police department.

This edition of the briefing was compiled by Adam Wollner. For feedback, readers may contact the newsletter team at the address provided with the original dispatch.