Washington, D.C. — Rep. Ro Khanna said he is not concerned about his physical safety in Washington but warned that powerful interests often work behind the scenes to destroy the reputations and careers of lawmakers who challenge entrenched power.
Khanna made the remarks in comments shared on social media, where he described what he sees as the real risk facing members of Congress who refuse to remain silent. “The truth is more nuanced,” Khanna said. “Big money tries to destroy a person’s career and reputation.”
The California Democrat pointed to former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as an example of how political and financial forces can target lawmakers they view as disruptive. While Greene is a Republican and Khanna is a progressive Democrat, Khanna suggested the underlying dynamics transcend party lines.
“In Washington, you rise by keeping your head down and not making enemies,” Khanna said, contrasting that approach with his own and that of Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky. Khanna said he and Massie are “unafraid to challenge power,” even when doing so carries professional consequences.
Khanna framed the issue as one of institutional pressure rather than personal danger, arguing that lawmakers who question powerful interests often face reputational attacks, loss of support, or political isolation rather than direct threats to their safety.
The comments were highlighted in a post by political commentator Nahar Ali, who summarized Khanna’s remarks as a warning about how Washington rewards compliance and punishes dissent. Ali noted that Khanna portrayed himself and Massie as willing to confront those forces directly, in contrast to what Khanna described as the caution adopted by many lawmakers to avoid making enemies.
Khanna’s remarks come amid broader debates over the influence of money, lobbying, and political retaliation in Washington, as well as renewed scrutiny of how dissenting voices within Congress are treated by party leadership, donors, and interest groups.
While Khanna did not name specific organizations or individuals, his comments underscore a growing concern among some lawmakers that career pressure, rather than open debate, shapes much of modern congressional politics.
