Hakeem Jeffries‘ secret sit-down with Jared Kushner has Washington talking for all the wrong reasons. The Democratic leader’s private meeting with Trump’s son-in-law sparked fierce reactions from both sides ahead of November’s high-stakes midterms.
The Democratic leader’s meeting with Donald Trump’s son-in-law draws attention
US House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently met privately with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and top outside adviser, the New York Times first reported on Sunday. The discussion reportedly covered housing, immigration and the cost-of-living crisis affecting Americans nationwide. Additionally, Kushner suggested that Jeffries connect with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles afterward.
However, Jeffries did not reference the private conversation in his statement. He instead urged Republicans to abandon their rigid governing approach. “To stop the madness, we have repeatedly made clear that an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition,” the New York congressman stated.
Meanwhile, the meeting arrives ahead of November’s crucial midterm elections. Democrats could reclaim the House majority, thereby elevating Jeffries to Speaker of the House. Consequently, a Democratic majority would aggressively probe the Trump administration over allegations of self-enrichment.
Nevertheless, House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the meeting during a Fox News appearance. “I don’t know what that’s about. I know Jared has interest in lots of other things going on,” he remarked. Johnson further added that Kushner “hedges bets” and remains “not really directly involved in the admin.”
Similarly, former Obama aide Tommy Vietor sharply criticized the encounter. “Jared Kushner has no actual government job; he just uses his family connections to get money from Gulf autocrats and fund corrupt deals,” he stated.
Zeteo CEO Mehdi Hasan also echoed that sentiment on social media. “The only meeting Hakeem Jeffries should be having with Jared Kushner is to tell him he’ll be subpoenaed by the House for a corruption investigation on day one of Democratic control of the House,” he wrote.
Previously, Jeffries and Kushner collaborated on criminal justice reform during Trump’s first term. “The American people want bold change, and that’s what House Democrats will deliver,” Jeffries declared on Sunday.
