Bartiromo Challenges Ro Khanna Over Iran Deal Criticism and America First Debate

Fox Business Network host Maria Bartiromo pressed Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) on Thursday over his criticism of President Donald Trump’s foreign and economic policies, sparking a heated exchange about the administration’s Iran agreement, manufacturing jobs, and the future of the “America First” agenda.
The discussion centered on the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, an agreement that has drawn both praise and criticism from across the political spectrum. While some supporters see the deal as a way to avoid continued conflict, critics have raised concerns about its economic and strategic implications.
Bartiromo opened the interview by suggesting that Democrats were seeking to undermine Trump’s broader policy agenda and asked Khanna whether opposition to the administration was driving criticism of the Iran agreement.
“Is that what is happening right now with this MOU with Iran?” Bartiromo asked.
Khanna pushed back on that characterization and made clear that he supports the effort to end the conflict.
“No,” Khanna replied. “I actually support the agreement and bringing the war to an end. I have always supported bringing the war to an end.”
Even so, the California congressman argued that the agreement falls short when compared to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated during former President Barack Obama’s administration.
“I will say, though, that this agreement is not as good as what the JCPOA was,” Khanna said.
His biggest concern, he explained, involves the provision calling for $300 billion to be raised for Iran’s economic development and reconstruction. Khanna emphasized that the funds would not come directly from U.S. taxpayers but questioned why such a large financial effort was being directed overseas when many American communities continue to face economic challenges.
“Why aren’t we focused on the economic development and the reconstruction of Middleton, Ohio, or Johnstown, Pennsylvania?” Khanna asked. He also questioned why similar efforts were not being directed toward priorities such as childcare and healthcare for Americans.
Bartiromo acknowledged that Khanna had raised important questions but argued that Trump’s policies are already focused on rebuilding the American economy.
“In terms of rebuilding America and Ohio, and all the middle-American states, I mean, that’s exactly what President Trump is doing,” Bartiromo said.
She pointed to Trump’s repeated claims of attracting $18 trillion in investment to the United States and argued that the administration has pushed companies to either absorb tariff costs or increase domestic production. Bartiromo also highlighted Trump’s emphasis on reducing dependence on China for key industries such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.
The conversation then turned back to Iran.
Bartiromo defended the current agreement by contrasting it with Obama’s nuclear deal, arguing that the earlier arrangement provided Iran access to more than $100 billion.
She questioned what Iran ultimately did with those resources, contending that the funds were used to strengthen ballistic weapons capabilities and support proxy groups.
Khanna then shifted the discussion back to domestic economic issues, arguing that Trump’s promises to rebuild industrial America have not fully materialized.
According to Khanna, the administration has lost 72,000 manufacturing jobs and failed to establish an industrial investment bank that could help support American manufacturers.
When Bartiromo interrupted to dispute his claims, Khanna insisted on finishing his point.
He acknowledged that foreign direct investment has benefited technology companies, including some in his own district, but questioned whether enough attention is being paid to workers in America’s industrial heartland.
The exchange highlighted a growing debate over whether foreign policy agreements should be judged primarily by their international outcomes or by their impact on American communities. While both Bartiromo and Khanna voiced support for ending the conflict, they sharply disagreed over whether the administration’s economic and diplomatic strategy is delivering for the Americans it was designed to help.