Democratic Representative Ro Khanna hit back at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), alleging that the lobbying group employed ads to take him down.
In a video posted to his social media, Khanna speaks about how the group was calling him a liar for speaking out about the truth in Gaza. He goes on to say that the AIPAC wanted people to disbelieve what they were seeing with their own eyes and that the group wanted to weaken him electorally and to deny him his proverbial seat at the table.
Khanna continues by saying that the reason he is being attacked is because he won’t cave to special interests that want him to cave on issues like Gaza, Medicare, accountability in tech and AI. He goes on to take a shot at the rich and powerful by saying that he won’t be caving to the Epstein class either, insinuating a connection between the rich and powerful of the country and the convicted sex trafficker.
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Khanna does not stop there as he continues by saying that he would not cave to the rich and powerful of the country who could not relate to ordinary American.
The Congressman goes on to say that the reason he is being attacked by big money is because he is not owned by the PACs and cannot be bought by the PACs.
He underscored that the reason for the attack on him was his stance on peace and he goes on to reiterate how along with Rep. Thomas Massey he had led the bipartisan effort to prevent war in Iran, how along with Bernie Sanders he had opposed the war in Yemen and how he had originally run for Congress as a 27-year-old to prevent the war in Iraq.
He highlights his immigrant background and how he loves the US and appeals to the people about working together to fight for human rights and justice.
The statements by Representative Ro Khanna illustrate a broader tension in U.S. politics between elected officials and influential lobbying groups. Khanna positions himself as an independent voice who resists pressure from political action committees and special interests, emphasizing that his decisions are guided by principles rather than money or external influence.
His criticisms of AIPAC reflect his broader concern with transparency, accountability, and advocacy for human rights, particularly in relation to conflicts abroad, such as Gaza, Iran, and Yemen. By highlighting his bipartisan efforts to prevent war and his consistent anti-war stance since entering Congress, Khanna frames his approach as rooted in moral conviction and public service rather than partisan or financial pressure.
Additionally, Khanna appeals to shared values, emphasizing his immigrant background and connection to ordinary Americans, and framing his political work as a fight for justice, equity, and peace. His remarks underscore the ongoing debate over the role of lobbying and big money in shaping policy, while also highlighting the importance of independent leadership in addressing both domestic and foreign policy challenges.
The situation surrounding Khanna and AIPAC also reflects a larger conversation about accountability, influence, and public trust in politics. Lawmakers are increasingly scrutinized not only for the policies they support but also for the sources of funding and pressure behind them. Khanna’s stance illustrates a growing demand for transparency and principled decision-making, emphasizing that elected officials can take positions based on ethical considerations and human rights rather than the interests of well-funded lobbying groups.