Trump's son-in-law Kushner met secretly with Democrat Jeffries, drawing criticism

Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's son-in-law and an influential outside advisor, held a private meeting with Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, to explore potential bipartisan cooperation.

The meeting, which took place recently in a private New York venue arranged by a mutual acquaintance, focused on issues such as housing, immigration, and the high cost of living. Kushner reportedly suggested that Jeffries meet directly with White House Chief of Staff Suzy Weldes. This outreach comes as most polls indicate a challenging midterm election for Republicans, and with Jeffries a likely candidate for Speaker if Democrats regain the House.

The New York Times, citing five individuals familiar with the meeting, reported that the discussion signaled an awareness among Trump's inner circle of the possibility of Democrats taking control of the House. However, the prospect of actual compromise appears slim. Trump has previously rejected Democratic housing legislation and wavered on immigration agreements. He also blocked a bipartisan border security bill in 2024.

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The cost of living crisis is not a fiction, and it cannot be accepted without major policy changes. We are fighting for an affordable America. The question is whether Republicans will join us.

Jeffries did not confirm the meeting but stated that cooperation on the cost of living crisis is possible only if Republicans adopt policy changes. "The cost of living crisis is not a fiction, and it cannot be accepted without major policy changes," he said. "We are fighting for an affordable America. The question is whether Republicans will join us."

The meeting sparked immediate criticism from some Democrats and anti-Trump figures. Tommy Vietor, a former spokesperson for the Obama administration, accused Kushner of profiting from family ties without an official government role. He argued that "the only way Jeffries should engage with him is by demanding documents and subpoenas." This sentiment was echoed by concerns about the appropriateness of the meeting given that the House Judiciary Committee, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, is investigating Kushner's overseas funding.

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the only way Jeffries should engage with him is by demanding documents and subpoenas.