On May 15, 2026, U.S.Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) engaged in a heated discussion with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo regarding U.S.foreign policy toward Iran under President Donald Trump compared to the previous Obama administration.

Bartiromo inaccurately claimed that President Obama 'sent Iran money,' which Khanna clarified, explaining that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) only unfroze Iranian assets — essentially their own funds — in exchange for nuclear restrictions and international monitoring.Bartiromo further misrepresented the deal as lacking nuclear weapons commitments, despite these being explicitly included.

Khanna highlighted the consequences of Trump's withdrawal from the deal, including a rise in enriched uranium levels to 60 percent, the deaths of 13 American service members, higher gas and food prices, and deteriorating security in the Strait of Hormuz.He also emphasized strong public opposition to the war, including dissent among Republicans.Despite these points, Bartiromo repeatedly interrupted and dismissed public concern, prioritizing perceived nuclear threats over other factors.The exchange illustrates ongoing partisan debates in U.S.media regarding foreign policy and the factual framing of international agreements.