Rep. Ro Khanna, who represents California’s 17th district in the U.S. Congress, used his social media platform on July 18, 2025, to comment on several issues including congressional transparency and the decline of American industry.
In a post made at 2:53 a.m. UTC, Khanna wrote: “.@RepThomasMassie and I are on the side of America’s children. 10 Republicans and 212 Democrats stand ready tonight to vote for the release of the Epstein files.
But Republican leadership is not allowing a vote.
They are protecting the rich and powerful.” The statement referenced efforts by some members of Congress to make public documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, while criticizing Republican leadership for blocking a vote on their release.
Later that day at 10:38 p.m. UTC, Khanna addressed concerns about American manufacturing with two consecutive posts. He stated: “For decades, policymakers have allowed American industry to be dismantled, eroding the foundations of towns across the country.” In another post published seconds later, he added: “After 46 years, TransAxle LLC closed down its facilities in Baltimore, Richmond, and St. Paul, laying off 26 truck parts manufacturers.”
Khanna has represented California’s 17th District since replacing Mike Honda in 2017 and is known for advocating economic revitalization policies (source: Ro Khanna biography). Born in Philadelphia in 1976 and currently residing in Fremont, Khanna holds degrees from both the University of Chicago and Yale University.
The closure of TransAxle LLC cited by Khanna reflects broader trends affecting industrial communities nationwide as U.S. manufacturing employment continues to face challenges due to policy decisions over recent decades.
