Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) has intensified an informal inquiry into Jared Kushner following a private meeting between House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Kushner, who is the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Raskin sent a letter to Kushner on Tuesday requesting documents related to Kushner's roles as an informal foreign policy adviser to Trump and as the head of a private equity firm that engages with foreign governments.
This renewed scrutiny comes as Jeffries faces criticism from progressive members of the Democratic Party over his meeting with Kushner, where they discussed potential cooperation should Democrats gain control of the House in the upcoming November elections.
Raskin expressed concern in his letter, stating, "From the standpoint of the American people, your decision to act simultaneously in these two roles — one public for the government and one private for personal profit — has created a glaring and incurable conflict of interest, particularly when 97% of the funds you have assembled for your investment firm are drawn directly from foreign government sovereign funds, related commercial entities, and foreign nationals."
Raskin noted that a previous request for documents from Kushner was not answered. While Kushner is not obligated to comply with the informal inquiry, Raskin and the Judiciary Committee Democrats lack the subpoena power to enforce cooperation.
The situation highlights the contrasting approaches within the Democratic Party, as Raskin's inquiry stands in contrast to Jeffries' attempt to establish communication with Kushner, revealing the pressures Democrats face in balancing investigations of Trump with the potential need to work alongside him.
Progressives have criticized Jeffries for meeting with Kushner while asserting that Democrats will hold Trump and his associates accountable if they regain control of the House. A Democratic campaign operative remarked, "I think it was an unforced error by Jeffries to meet with someone who embodies the Trump world’s nepotism and corruption, especially at the same time he’s rolling out his ‘anti-crooks’ accountability campaign. It reads as weak at a time when Democrats need to be projecting strength."
In response to the backlash, Jeffries stated that the meeting was intended to address the affordability crisis, asserting that "no one is getting a pass."
Jeffries' brother also responded to the criticism, stating on social media, "Basically, y’all need to go on with your bulls***. Ain’t nobody bending the knee or letting anyone skate. But their tempest in teacup makes one really wonder about people’s assumptions and motivations."