Rep. Ro Khanna backs Trump’s executive order on drug pricing, urging Congress to codify it despite party divisions.

Khanna Crosses Party Lines on Prescription Drug Reform

Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, introduced legislation on Wednesday to codify President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. The move, which deviates from the typical Democratic stance toward the Trump administration, marks a notable moment of bipartisan outreach as Khanna urges fellow lawmakers to prioritize policy over politics.

Khanna, who has previously opposed Trump’s tariffs and immigration policies, said this executive order deserved support for its direct challenge to pharmaceutical industry pricing practices. “President Trump's executive order says that Americans should pay the least price... It gives Cabinet secretaries the authority to go after Big Pharma companies that are price-gouging,” he explained. Khanna emphasized that similar efforts in Trump’s prior term had failed due to legal pushback, highlighting the need for congressional action.

“I have introduced something that codifies President Trump's language, and I'm hoping we get a Republican co-sponsor,” Khanna told reporters. His proposal would embed Trump’s pricing mandate into federal law, offering protection from litigation and long-term enforcement power.

Khanna delivered a passionate speech on the House floor, asking lawmakers: “Are you on the side of the people, or are you on the side of the $16 billion in Big Pharma lobbyist money that was spent last year?” He added, “There’s no trick to it. It is President Trump’s idea, President Trump’s executive order, President Trump’s language into law. Every Republican should support this, and every Democrat should.”

Policy Over Partisanship

Khanna’s endorsement of Trump’s policy comes at a time when Democrats are wrestling with internal divisions following major electoral losses. Despite political tension, Khanna said he is not afraid to give credit where it is due. “If Donald Trump has a good idea that's going to help the American people, we should work with him,” he stated, dismissing concerns about who might receive political credit. “He can have a great political win if the American public gets lower drug prices.”

The congressman, considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has traveled across the country this year to promote his policy agenda. He has also previously collaborated with Senator Bernie Sanders on legislation targeting drug price reform. “I just don’t understand why any Republican wouldn’t support this. Every American agrees that prescription drug costs are too high,” Khanna said.

Khanna’s stance contrasts with the broader Democratic narrative, especially as he recently criticized President Joe Biden’s 2024 candidacy. “Obviously, he should not have run. There should have been an open primary,” Khanna said during an interview on ‘The Story.’ He added that Democrats need to be transparent and accept responsibility, calling Biden’s run a mistake in hindsight.

While Khanna has not spoken directly with President Trump regarding the legislation, his support signals a shift toward issue-focused governance. As debates over healthcare affordability continue, Khanna’s bold move may pave the way for rare bipartisan alignment—if lawmakers are willing to put voters’ needs ahead of party loyalty.