Jared Kushner Criticizes CNN Report on Investments and Diplomatic Role

<p>Jared Kushner, a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump, criticized CNN for what he described as a "deeply misleading story and headline" regarding his diplomatic work in the Middle East and its alleged connection to investments in Israeli defense companies. This statement was made in a social media post on Friday.</p><p>Kushner responded to a CNN report titled, "How Jared Kushner’s firm’s investment in an Israeli company could be a major conflict of interest," which was published on October 1, 2026. The report indicated that Kushner played a significant role in negotiations related to the war in Gaza while his firm, Affinity Partners, held a substantial stake in an Israeli company involved in military operations.</p><p>Kushner argued that CNN's reporting contradicted its headline, claiming that key information was only accessible to subscribers due to the paywall. He noted that CNN acknowledged it found no evidence that his actions as a diplomat directly influenced the investments, but this information was not prominently displayed.</p><p>The CNN report mentioned that Kushner's investment group increased its stake in Phoenix Financial, an Israeli firm, shortly before Trump returned to office. The report detailed that Phoenix Financial has invested significantly in companies linked to Israel's military, including Elbit Systems, and that these companies experienced stock value increases during the conflict.</p><p>Kushner defended his company's investments, stating that Phoenix is not a defense company but rather a major financial institution managing approximately $220 billion in various investments. He compared Phoenix to major U.S. investment firms like Vanguard or Fidelity, emphasizing that he does not control its investment decisions.</p><p>He also clarified that Affinity's investment in Phoenix was public and predates his return to public service, asserting that his firm does not own the defense companies mentioned in the CNN report. Kushner expressed that the accurate portrayal of facts is essential, stating that misleading narratives will not deter him from his diplomatic efforts.</p><p>A CNN spokesperson responded to Kushner's criticism by affirming their commitment to the accuracy of their reporting.</p><p>In a separate statement, Kushner indicated that he has previously overlooked misleading stories but felt compelled to respond due to the ongoing distortion of facts surrounding his work.</p><p>Additionally, Kushner's attorney issued a statement to CNN asserting that any implication of a connection between Kushner's diplomatic activities and the investments in question is incorrect. A White House spokesperson also dismissed the notion that Kushner's business dealings are related to his diplomatic role as a long-standing narrative pushed by Democrats.</p>