Congressman Ro Khanna has strongly criticized former President Donald Trump, asserting that his administration's foreign and economic policies severely damaged US-India relations. Speaking at the IX USISPF Leadership Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C., Khanna claimed that ties between the two nations have reached their lowest point in three decades.
Khanna accused the Trump administration of eroding America's credibility on the global stage through unilateral actions, particularly citing military engagement against Iran and the imposition of tariffs. He highlighted the economic repercussions, stating, "Trump's policies of getting into a war with Iran have been utterly destructive. It has been utterly destructive to the prices of gas in India." Khanna urged critics to consult with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar if they doubted his assessment.
"A Generation of Trust Lost"
The Democratic congressman relayed a striking observation from an Indian ambassador during a visit to China. "I was in China, and the Indian ambassador said to me - a generation of trust has been lost by this president of yours," Khanna recounted. He argued that engaging in a unilateral war without consulting allies like Europe, Canada, or India had severely undermined the US's standing and credibility.
Khanna contrasted Trump's approach with the historical foreign policy visions of former Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. He praised Roosevelt's commitment to self-determination, decolonization, human rights, and international cooperation as the foundation of America's moral authority. Similarly, he evoked Kennedy's era, when the US inspired nations through its ideals rather than solely through military might, a vision that motivated his own parents to immigrate to America.
Criticism on Immigration and Talent
The California lawmaker further criticized the Trump administration's stance on immigration, student visas, and skilled foreign workers. Khanna argued that these policies hinder America's ability to attract and retain global talent, which is crucial for technological leadership. He pointed to data on artificial intelligence researchers, noting that a significant percentage of top AI talent in the US has foreign degrees or origins, underscoring the importance of recruitment over exclusion.
Concluding his remarks, Khanna expressed optimism for a Democratic resurgence, describing Trump as a "lame duck" president. He predicted decisive victories for Democrats in the 2026 and 2028 elections, anticipating a "reemergence" of a new generation in the country's political landscape.