Representative Ro Khanna on Elon Musk and the Tech Oligarchy
Jan 13, 2025
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Ro Khanna, a progressive U.S. Representative from California's Silicon Valley, shares his insights on the risks of a tech oligarchy led by billionaires like Elon Musk. He believes this consolidation of power threatens democratic integrity and working-class trust. Khanna also discusses the need for Democrats to reconnect with these voters by advocating economic solutions that celebrate entrepreneurship while addressing social welfare. His vision of progressive capitalism seeks a balanced approach to innovation and equity.
Representative Ro Khanna emphasizes the need for Democrats to reconnect with economically struggling voters to regain their trust and support.
Khanna warns that the growing influence of tech moguls like Elon Musk can lead to a dangerous oligarchy, undermining democratic governance and social equity.
Deep dives
The Aftermath of Election Dynamics
The recent congressional elections have led to a significant shift in power dynamics, especially with the appointment of Mike Johnson as speaker. Despite the GOP claiming a victory, their margin in Congress is notably thin, allowing little room for dissent on legislative matters. Democrats are experiencing a period of introspection and blame as they assess the factors that contributed to their electoral setbacks. Representative Ro Khanna highlights a fundamental disconnect between the Democratic Party and economically struggling voters, emphasizing the need for Democrats to reconnect with these constituents to regain their trust and support.
The Influence of Tech Billionaires
The growing influence of tech billionaires, like Elon Musk, poses challenges for both political discourse and social equity. Khanna expresses concerns about an emerging oligarchy formed by these wealthy figures, whose decisions can significantly impact economic policies and political strategies. He argues that the government should play a crucial role in addressing wealth disparities and suggests that tech leaders have become dismissive of the state's contributions to their success. This disconnection illustrates a need for Democrats to advocate for the vital role of government in regulating and promoting fair economic practices.
Democrats and the Narrative of Economic Inequality
Khanna discusses the Democratic Party's struggle to effectively convey their vision amidst rising economic inequality and disillusionment among voters. He points out that while technological advancements can create opportunities, they must be coupled with deliberate government action to ensure prosperity reaches all communities. The challenge lies in framing an economic agenda that promotes growth while also addressing the frustrations of those left behind by globalization and automation. By fostering a coalition focused on both innovation and equitable wealth distribution, the Democratic Party can work towards rejuvenating its relationship with disaffected voters.
Representative Ro Khanna of California is in the Democrats’ Congressional Progressive Caucus. And although his district is in the heart of Silicon Valley—and he once worked as a lawyer for tech companies—Khanna is focussed on how Democrats can regain the trust of working-class voters. He knows tech moguls, he talks with them regularly, and he thinks that they are forming a dangerous oligarchy, to the detriment of everyone else. “This is more dangerous than petty corruption. This is more dangerous than, ‘Hey, they just want to maximize their corporation's wealth,’ ”he tells David Remnick. “This is an ideology amongst some that rejects the role of the state.” Although he’s an ally of Bernie Sanders, such as advocating for Medicare for All and free public college, Khanna is not a democratic socialist. He calls himself a progressive capitalist. Real economic growth, he says, requires “a belief in entrepreneurship and technology and in business leaders being part of the solution.”