Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) delivered a significant address at the National Press Club on April 14, 2026, outlining his vision for a "New Economic Patriotism" aimed at revitalizing the American middle class and confronting systemic economic inequality. Khanna's speech directly challenged what he termed the "Epstein class," criticizing elites who he argues operate outside the law and erode public trust. The California Democrat's comprehensive plan seeks to address the staggering wealth concentration, noting that "19 billionaires hold over $3 trillion in wealth ––12.5% of our entire economy."
Khanna's "New Economic Patriotism" proposes a multi-faceted agenda to create widespread economic opportunity. He advocated for a "Work for America" program, inspired by the Works Progress Administration, to generate meaningful jobs for young people across the nation. This initiative aims to rebuild communities and provide valuable skills that translate into private sector careers.
Central to his plan is the establishment of a National Industrial Bank, designed to strategically invest in critical future industries such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and medical innovation. Khanna emphasized the need to bring these jobs back to American communities, particularly those affected by de-industrialization. He also stressed making "Care a national priority," encompassing childcare, eldercare, and home care, recognizing them as sources of stable, well-paying jobs that cannot be outsourced or automated.
The Congressman further called for a nationwide system of trade schools and tech institutes to equip Americans with modern skills for the evolving economy, expanding on successful programs like the Techwise initiative. He highlighted the importance of worker ownership, proposing that employees share in company profits through stock or defined benefits to counteract the capital-biased nature of AI-driven economies. Khanna also outlined an "Economic Bill of Rights," advocating for universal healthcare, free college and trade schools, a $10-a-day childcare program, and measures to address the housing crisis.
To fund these ambitious proposals, Khanna suggested reallocating resources from what he described as "endless foreign wars" and wasteful defense spending, redirecting investments domestically. He also proposed a "billionaire tax," stating, "it is patriotic to pay our fair share" and that this approach is "pro-America." The editorial director and publisher of The Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel, highlighted Khanna's speech on social media, sharing the content and underscoring its importance. Khanna's blueprint aims to restore faith in democratic institutions by delivering tangible economic benefits to ordinary Americans, fostering a cohesive, multiracial democracy built on dignity, independence, and security.
