FBI warned Kushner about Murdoch ex-wife — report

Counterintelligence officials said to have told president’s son-in-law the Chinese-American businesswoman could be using the friendship with him to advance Beijing’s interests

By AFP 16 January 2018, 9:46 am

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White House adviser Jared Kushner, center, and his attorney Abbe Lowell arrive at Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 25, 2017, to be interviewed by the House Intelligence Committee. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON, United States — US counterintelligence officials warned US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in early 2017 that Chinese-American businesswoman Wendi Deng Murdoch might be using their friendship to benefit Chinese government interests, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

Citing unidentified sources familiar with the matter, the Journal said US officials were also concerned that the ex-wife of media magnate Rupert Murdoch — who owns the newspaper — was lobbying to push a major Chinese-funded construction project in Washington.

Wendi Deng Murdoch exits New York state Supreme court following a hearing on her divorce with Rupert Murdoch, November 20, 2013. (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)

The bid concerns a planned $100 million Chinese garden at the National Arboretum, located just steps from Congress and near the White House.

The Journal said intelligence officials consider it a national security risk because it features a 70-foot (21-meter) tower that could be used for surveillance.

Kushner received the warnings as part of regular briefings he receives due to his role as a senior adviser to Trump, who took office a year ago.

A spokesman said Wendi Deng Murdoch “has no knowledge of any FBI concerns or other intelligence agency concerns relating to her or her associations,” and denied she was aware of the garden project.

A Chinese-born citizen, she married in 1999 the Australian businessman, who filed for divorce in 2013. But she still uses her married name.