Ro Khanna calls out Trump's Saudi nuclear deal and Israel deference on CNN

Jul 24, 2026

Democrat Ro Khanna slams Trump for tying a Saudi civilian nuclear deal to recognizing Israel, calling it out of step with what Americans want — bad news for Trump's Middle East policy.

  • Trump agreed to let Saudi Arabia build civilian nuclear power, with Americans doing the construction.
  • The deal did not require Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel at first, but Trump added that condition a day later after Israeli officials were angry they were left out.
  • Israeli politicians warn a Saudi nuclear program could spark a nuclear arms race across the Middle East and are pushing Congress to block it.
  • Khanna argues the recent Iran strikes backfired: gas and food prices are up, Iran's regime is more extreme, and Iran has more control over the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Trump's approval is at record lows as Americans grow tired of Middle East spending and unconditional aid to Israel.

Outlook: Expect a fight in Congress over the Saudi deal, with pro-Israel groups lobbying against it heading into the midterms.

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