A Democratic lawmaker is breaking ranks to back a Trump-era policy on drug pricing, betting bipartisan reform can win where past efforts failed.
At a Glance
- Rep. Ro Khanna proposes legislation to codify Trump’s drug pricing Executive Order
- The bill seeks to reduce U.S. drug costs by linking prices to global minimums
- Trump’s original order stalled due to Big Pharma lawsuits
- Khanna criticizes party politics and calls for cross-aisle collaboration
- The move hints at Khanna’s ambitions for 2028 and a shift in Democratic strategy
Khanna’s Pragmatic Pivot
In a bold challenge to partisan politics, Rep. Ro Khanna has introduced legislation that mirrors a Trump-era Executive Order aimed at slashing prescription drug prices for Americans. The executive order, initially signed by President Trump, required that Americans pay no more for medications than consumers in other developed nations. Khanna’s bill would codify that approach into federal law.
“This isn’t about political points,” Khanna said. “It’s about doing what’s right for the American people.” His stance has startled many within his own party, as he becomes one of the few Democrats willing to publicly back and legislate a policy associated with Trump. Khanna argues that Big Pharma’s lawsuits derailed the original order, and only Congressional action can secure lasting reform.
Watch a report: Ro Khanna Finds Common Ground With Trump.
The legislation aligns with Khanna’s previous efforts alongside Bernie Sanders to rein in drug costs, but it also signals a strategic shift: moving past ideological battles in favor of policy outcomes. He’s actively seeking a Republican co-sponsor and challenging colleagues to prioritize results over party loyalty.
Challenging the Party Playbook
Khanna’s legislative approach is framed not just as a health policy win but as a test of political courage. In his words, if a Trump idea benefits the public, “I don’t care… if he gets a political win.” That rebuke of traditional partisan obstructionism could resonate with disaffected voters across the aisle.
His rhetoric suggests frustration with the Biden administration and an appetite for new Democratic leadership. Khanna has openly voiced support for an open primary in 2028, positioning himself as a reformer who isn’t afraid to buck the establishment.
Trump allies, meanwhile, have seized on the endorsement. “For the first time in many years, we’ll slash the cost of prescription drugs,” Trump declared, praising the momentum behind his initial policy. GOP lawmakers such as Rep. Andy Ogles echoed support, highlighting Trump’s “win-after-win” policy record.
Beyond 2024: A New Coalition?
Khanna’s cross-party push could signal a broader shift in how Democrats approach economic populism. By embracing an idea with strong GOP origins, he opens the door to a pragmatic coalition focused on shared priorities like lowering health costs.
If successful, the legislation could reset expectations about what’s possible in a divided Congress. If not, it still sends a message: political courage isn’t partisan—and future leaders may look more like policy bridges than party loyalists.
