Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026

Key Points:

• Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized the ongoing war against Iran, calling it a "big blunder" that has increased prices and interest rates, and expressed cautious optimism about a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while noting concerns about Iran retaining control and a hardline regime.
• Van Hollen condemned the Department of Justice's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund as a "political slush fund," proposing amendments to exclude rioters, convicted child molesters, and members of Congress from eligibility, and urged Republicans to oppose the fund.
• He accused the Trump administration of corruptly controlling the fund through loyal appointees and lacking transparency, highlighting that the acting Attorney General refused to disclose recipients of the fund's payouts.
• Regarding the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Van Hollen praised a judge's ruling that dismissed vindictive federal charges against Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador, framing the case as a broader defense of constitutional rights against abuse of power.
• On the Democratic National Committee's election autopsy, Van Hollen criticized it as incomplete but emphasized the need for the party to address economic struggles faced by Americans and fight against powerful special interests ahead of upcoming elections, opposing calls for leadership changes at this time.