- House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries’ meeting with Jared Kushner, the president’s influential son-in-law, has sparked backlash from his own party and other Donald Trump critics.
- Among some who lamented the reported gathering was Tommy Vietor, previously an aide to former president Barack Obama and now a co-host of the left-leaning podcast Pod Save America. He said: 'Jared Kushner has no actual government job he just uses his family connections to get money from gulf autocrats and fund corrupt deals. The only way.'
- Asked whether he supported the meeting during an interview on Sunday, Senator Chris van Hollen — a Maryland Democrat — said: 'I’m in favor of people meeting with whoever they want to discuss ideas. But it’s one thing to have a meeting. It’s another thing to see something real come out of that.'
- Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman from Illinois who is an outspoken Trump critic and served on a House committee that investigated the Capitol attack, posted in reference to the meeting, 'Make this make sense,' while tagging Jeffries.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries' recent meeting with Jared Kushner has drawn significant criticism from within the Democratic Party and among Trump opponents, particularly as the midterm elections loom.1
The meeting, reported just months before the November elections, raises eyebrows as Democrats are poised to potentially reclaim the House, which would position Jeffries as Speaker.
If they regain the majority, Democrats plan to leverage their oversight authority to investigate the Trump administration, focusing on issues such as self-enrichment by Trump and his family.
Concerns about Kushner's financial dealings persist, especially regarding his ongoing profit from foreign nations while engaging in foreign affairs, including conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza.
Jeffries defended the meeting, stating, “Throughout this Congress, Republicans have adopted a my-way-or-the-highway approach to governing that has failed the American people.” He emphasized the need for “bold change” and called for transformational policy changes to address the affordability crisis.
Critics like Tommy Vietor, a former Obama aide, expressed discontent, stating, “Jared Kushner has no actual government job; he just uses his family connections to get money from gulf autocrats and fund corrupt deals.”2
Senator Chris van Hollen remarked, “It’s one thing to have a meeting. It’s another thing to see something real come out of that.” Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, questioned the rationale behind the meeting, tweeting, “Make this make sense.”34
“Tommy Vietor, a Pod Save America co-host, accused Kushner of using family connections to fund corrupt deals, while Senator Chris van Hollen said he favors meetings but wants to see 'something real' come out. Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, posted 'Make this make sense' in response.”
The Guardian
