Khanna is open to alliance with Greene and Carlson as GOP divisions grow over Iran
WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has expressed openness to working with former Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson in a renewed push to bipartisan alignment as political divisions sharpen over US policy toward Iran.
“I am game,” Khanna said, welcoming the possibility of collaboration after Greene indicated interest in forming a cross-party coalition.
Trump speaks during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval Office of the White House, on St Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Shared opposition to Trump’s Iran threats
Khanna’s remarks came in response to growing criticism of Donald Trump following his recent threats against Iran, including warnings of devastating military action if Tehran failed to meet US demands.
In a video statement, Khanna said he was relieved that Trump had ultimately accepted a ceasefire, pulling back from what he described as rhetoric that risked catastrophic consequences. However, he stressed that the de-escalation was driven not by Congress but by public pressure.
“This happened because of the American people,” Khanna said, pointing to voices across the political spectrum who opposed escalation.
Unlikely coalition of critics emerges
Khanna highlighted an unusual convergence of political figures, including conservatives such as Tucker Carlson and Ann Coulter, who joined progressives in criticising the administration’s stance on Iran.
He argued that such cross-ideological opposition could form the basis of a broader populist movement focused on anti-war policies, accountability, and economic justice.
“The only thing that will save this country… is a broad populist social movement, anti-war, pro-working class,” Khanna said.
Greene distances herself from Trump
Greene, once a staunch ally of Trump and a prominent supporter of his “Make America Great Again” agenda, has increasingly broken ranks with the president in recent months.
Following Trump’s stark warning earlier this week that “a whole civilization will die tonight” without compliance from Iran, Greene joined calls to remove him from office under the 25th Amendment, a dramatic escalation in her criticism.
The former congresswoman, who resigned from her seat earlier this year amid tensions with Trump, responded positively to Khanna’s outreach, suggesting a bipartisan effort may be necessary to challenge entrenched political systems.
Call for ‘anti-war’ and ‘anti-elite’ platform
In her response, Greene emphasised the need to “break free” from what she described as a corrupt, war-driven political establishment that benefits elites while leaving ordinary Americans behind.
Khanna echoed that sentiment, pointing to their previous collaboration, alongside Republican Rep Thomas Massie, on the Epstein Files
Transparency Act, a bipartisan push to release Justice Department records related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
He also praised Greene’s advocacy for greater transparency and accountability, particularly in demanding the release of files tied to Epstein.
Khanna said he is keen to engage in “spirited debate” and constructive dialogue across party lines, particularly on issues such as ending “wars of choice,” holding powerful elites accountable, and addressing the economic concerns of working-class Americans.
“Look forward to a dialogue on how to stop the militarism of foreign wars… and actually deliver for millions of working-class Americans,” he said.
The California Democrat, who is increasingly being discussed as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential race, has been sharpening his focus on cost-of-living issues and inclusive governance.
