Rep. Ro Khanna urged the ultra-wealthy to "bring it on" after progressive-backed candidates swept several New York Democratic primaries, pushing a sharper economic and foreign-policy agenda. He reaffirmed support for Medicare for All, universal childcare, stronger unions and a 5% annual wealth tax for billionaires, co-sponsored with Sen. Bernie Sanders. The remarks came amid a heated dispute with Elon Musk over cuts tied to the Department of Government Efficiency, which Khanna said could have dire humanitarian consequences; Musk denied the claims and launched personal attacks. The primaries underscore growing influence for the party’s left flank while deepening tensions with centrists ahead of November.
Ro Khanna Tells Billionaires 'Bring It On' After Progressive Sweep in New York Primaries — Clash With Elon Musk Escalates
Ro Khanna Targets ‘Oligarchs’ After New York Primary Sweep, Days After Elon Musk Called Him ‘Ro The Robber’
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) publicly challenged the nation's wealthiest individuals after progressive-backed candidates scored major wins in New York’s Democratic primaries, renewing a populist push just days after a high-profile exchange with Elon Musk.
“Our message to the oligarchs: bring it on. After last night’s decisive wins, have a new, strong, bold Democratic party.” — Ro Khanna, X (June 24, 2026)
Khanna posted the message on X alongside a short video in which he urged Democrats to adopt a sharper stance on both economic and foreign-policy issues. He argued that a modern "new deal" agenda is resonating with voters and listed several priorities he believes should define the party.
Khanna’s Agenda: “The reality is that our platform of a new deal is resonating; it’s a platform that says no to foreign wars, no to genocide, but it’s also a platform that says yes. Yes to Medicare for All, yes to childcare for all, yes to unions for all, and yes to a tax on billionaires and trillionaires,” he said in the clip.
Progressive Wins in New York
The results followed a strong performance by candidates backed by progressive organizer Zohran Mamdani. Left-aligned winners included Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander prevailed in a closely watched contest. The outcomes signaled growing influence for Democrats prioritizing economic inequality, expanded health and childcare programs, and stronger labor protections.
Policy Push And The Wealth Tax
Khanna’s comments align with his legislative priorities. He co-sponsors the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a proposal that would impose a 5% annual wealth tax on households with more than $1 billion in assets.
Public Dispute With Elon Musk
The social-media post arrived amid an escalating dispute between Khanna and Elon Musk over cuts implemented through the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Khanna accused the DOGE effort of contributing to the dismantling of USAID and cited a Lancet-linked estimate that aid reductions could be associated with as many as 4.5 million child deaths worldwide. Musk rejected the claim, called Khanna a liar, threatened legal action, and used the epithet “Ro the Robber.” Khanna responded by challenging Musk to a televised debate on the DOGE cuts and urging Congress to subpoena Musk to testify.
Intraparty Reactions And Political Stakes
The primaries have intensified debates inside the Democratic Party. Centrists warn a sharp leftward shift could make it harder to attract swing voters in November, while supporters of the insurgent wing argue a bolder economic message is necessary to rebuild working-class support. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urged unity, calling the party a “big tent” and emphasizing the need to focus on the general election.
The episode highlights how policy disputes, primary momentum, and high-profile public feuds with private figures are shaping Democratic messaging and strategy in the run-up to the general election.
Photo credit: Phil Pasquini / Shutterstock
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