Below is a transcript of an interview by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat of Illinois, which aired on June 1, 2025 on “Facing the Country with Margaret Brennan.”
Margaret Brennan: We are now turning to the top Democrat of the Chinese Communist Party’s House Selection Committee, namely Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. He is in Illinois. Good morning. I want to get -
represent. Krishnamoorthi: - A wonderful morning.
Margaret Brennan: I want to go straight. You heard from the Secretary of State this week that the State Council will work with the Ministry of Homeland Security to actively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with ties to the Communist Party of China or studying in key areas. There are approximately 300,000 Chinese students in this country with visas. The level of scrutiny in the U.S. government has improved. What to change?
represent. Krishnamoorthi: I don't know. There is not enough detail, but if they target all Chinese people who use international student visas, because he does not limit it to people who may have connections with the Chinese Communist Party, if they do have these relationships, then they do not belong here, especially in their responsibility for evil acts. However, this seems much broader and misleading, and seems biased and discriminatory. My own father is an international student visa to come here. I believe these people are crucial to our economy and the entrepreneurial spirit of this country. And I think it will harm the United States, not help.
Margaret Brennan: You said that if someone has a connection with the Chinese Communist Party, they shouldn't be here. Does this mean that all students who are leaders' children, such as Xi Jinping's daughter, should not be allowed here?
represent. Krishnamoorthi: Well, if they engage in evil activities and if they have connections with CCP, I think we should be very careful. But in this particular case, they are not only following people who may fall into this category, but anyone from China, including Hong Kong, by the way, people are actually persecuted for the various freedoms they are trying to exercise, and they come here to try to exercise them. So, this is a terrible, misleading policy.
Margaret Brennan: The Biden administration has indeed conducted a higher scrutiny of Chinese students. Do you think there is a reasonable argument to expand this, and some areas should be limiting?
represent. Krishnamoorthi: I think you should definitely do a review, especially in some key areas, because we know that CCP is trying to steal, for example, intellectual property or worse. However, the current structured way seems very, very suspicious, and you must remember that the person Marco Rubio asked to cheer for this policy is the Chinese Communist Party. Why? Because they want these people to come back. They hope scientists, entrepreneurs and engineers can come and help their economy. So we may be helping them and other countries, not just helping ourselves develop this policy.
Margaret Brennan: The Defense Secretary is currently traveling in Asia, and he said in his speech at the Defense Forum that Beijing was quoted as "specifically and reliably preparing to use military forces." He said their army was rehearsing. Listen.
Pete Hegseth: Any attempt by communist China to conquer Taiwan by force will have devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world. There is no reason to coat it with sugar. The threat posed by China is real and may be imminent.
Margaret Brennan: He didn't say what the consequences were. Are you encouraged by the statement that appears to be support for allies?
represent. Krishnamoorthi: I am. I think his meaning is largely correct, but I think the problem is with him saying that Donald Trump or even him or others say other things that can push our friends, partners and allies and cause confusion. Therefore, we need to be consistent and thoughtful in our statements, and we also need to be very organized about our actions in curbing the military aggression of the Chinese Communist Party in the South China Sea and the Chinese Communist Party in Taiwan.
Margaret Brennan: Since you tracked the U.S. Intelligence Agency, I want to ask if you have any insight into what appears to be a Ukrainian drone swarm that destroyed 40 Russian military aircraft deep in Russian territory overnight. Sources told our Jennifer Jacobs that the White House didn't know the attack was planned. Can you tell us about the level U.S. intelligence is now sharing with Ukraine and helping them achieve their goals?
represent. Krishnamoorthi: I don't want to know confidential information, but what I can say is that it's a little nervous given what Donald Trump has said recently. One thing I can say is that Trump said the other day that Putin was crazy in the way he followed the civilian area of Ukraine, so Ukrainians are shocked. Ultimately, the only way to end these hostilities is to strengthen the Ukrainian hands. Trump should be aware at this point that Putin is playing him and helping the Ukrainians join the battlefield efforts. This is the best way to have some type of armistice or armistice at the negotiating table as soon as possible rather than late.
Margaret Brennan: OK, Congressman Krishnamoorthi thanks for your insight today.