Wyden and Raskin’s call for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Jared Kushner for potentially acting as an unregistered foreign agent has raised serious concerns about the former senior White House adviser’s business dealings. The lawmakers, who head key congressional committees, allege that Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, received over $150 million from foreign clients after Trump’s term as president ended, without generating any return on investment. Specifically, $87 million came from the Saudi government, raising suspicions about potential conflicts of interest as Kushner remained politically active on matters related to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
The investigations also point to Kushner’s involvement in U.S.-Saudi diplomatic negotiations, particularly with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, after leaving the Trump administration. There are concerns that the Saudi government’s engagement with Affinity for investment advice may have been a way to funnel money directly to Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump. The letter to Attorney General Garland highlights Kushner’s lack of experience in private equity prior to starting Affinity, further raising questions about the nature of his business dealings with foreign governments.
Kushner has vehemently denied any conflict of interest, stating that during Trump’s time in office, every decision was made in the best interest of America. He criticized the lawmakers for their call for an investigation, calling it a “silly political stunt” and suggesting that they focus on positively impacting people’s lives instead. However, Wyden and Raskin maintain that there is substantial evidence to suggest that Kushner may have been operating as an unregistered foreign agent, advising bin Salman on U.S. foreign policy and conducting business deals with foreign governments without proper disclosure.
The ongoing investigation into Kushner’s business dealings has also shed light on his role in advising Trump on his campaign, arranging meetings with foreign officials, and raising billions in capital for Affinity Partners—much of which came from the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Democrats have attempted to investigate the $2 billion investment in Kushner’s firm earlier this year, but faced delays due to opposition from Republicans. The continued scrutiny of Kushner’s interactions with foreign governments raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and violations of federal laws regarding foreign agents operating within the U.S.
As the calls for a special counsel to investigate Kushner intensify, it remains to be seen how the Department of Justice will respond to the lawmakers’ request. The allegations against Kushner have sparked a debate about the ethics and legality of his business dealings with foreign entities, particularly in light of his prominent role in U.S. foreign policy during the Trump administration. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for Kushner’s reputation and future business endeavors, as well as raise broader questions about the influence of foreign actors on U.S. politics.
