<p class="wp-block-paragraph">House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) defended his private meeting with Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and top outside adviser of President Donald Trump.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jeffries, who faced significant progressive backlash over the meeting, told reporters on Monday that Kushner had requested the meeting and that their discussion largely focused on the affordability crisis and opportunities to "make life more affordable for the American people." </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The meeting occurs as Jeffries considers the possibility of becoming Speaker of the House should Democrats secure a majority in the November midterm elections.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When asked if he would meet with Kushner again, Jeffries stated that the "reality" of legislative business necessitates that Democrats in Congress engage with the other side of the aisle when there are pressing matters to address for the American people.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"That’s just the reality of governance," Jeffries said.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jeffries emphasized that Democrats are committed to addressing the affordability crisis, noting that it requires conversations with individuals on the other side of the aisle, even those with whom they may strongly disagree on many issues.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He highlighted the bipartisan housing bill passed earlier this year, commending Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for their leadership on the legislation.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"Together, Democrats, finding common ground with Republicans in the House and in the Senate, congressman French Hill [a Republican from Arkansas], the chair of the Financial Services Committee, was a responsible actor in that regard," Jeffries said. "We got something meaningful done for the American people on the housing affordability issue." </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jeffries also stated that Democrats intend to "hold the crooks accountable because this is unprecedented corruption that has been unleashed on the American people." </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"Simple approach: follow the facts, apply the law, be guided by the Constitution, let the chips fall where they may," Jeffries said. "No one’s getting the pass as it relates to the Trump cartel."</p>