NBC Meet the Press Aug. 31 — Sen. James Lankford and Rep. Ro Khanna, plus Hoda Kotb
Aug 31, 2025
Sen. James Lankford is a Republican voice from Oklahoma focusing on faith and freedom, while Rep. Ro Khanna represents progressive views in California. They discuss President Trump's aggressive moves to control federal agencies, including the CDC and the Federal Reserve, raising important questions about accountability. Hoda Kotb shares her personal journey of resilience, addressing career changes and motherhood. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, especially among women, in nurturing well-being.
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Presidential Push Against Independent Agencies
- The Trump administration is aggressively asserting control over agencies historically insulated from politics, raising broad concerns.
- This shift threatens institutional independence and unsettles experts across health, finance, and security.
Lankford On Leadership And Scientific Inquiry
- Senator James Lankford emphasizes the need for agency leaders to follow administration directives while defending scientific processes.
- He frames questions as appropriate but maintains the CDC must have clear leadership aligned with policy.
Fed Independence Is A Cornerstone
- Both senators and commentators stress the Fed's independence as vital for sound monetary policy and global confidence.
- Interference with the Fed risks politicizing interest-rate decisions and destabilizing markets.
