From the Liveblog of
Friday, October 25, 2024
Democrats urge probe of Kushner for speaking to MBS about Israel-Saudi normalization
WASHINGTON — The Democratic chair of the US Senate Finance Committee and a prominent Democratic congressman have asked the US attorney general to appoint a special counsel to investigate whether Jared Kushner, former president Donald Trump’s son-in-law, was functioning as an unregistered foreign agent for Saudi Arabia, according to a letter from the lawmakers.
The letter from US Senator Ron Wyden and US Representative Jamie Raskin cites an October 4 Reuters report that revealed that Kushner on multiple occasions had discussed US-Saudi diplomacy concerning Israel with Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, since leaving government.
“This revelation is deeply disturbing, as Mr. Kushner appears to be influencing US foreign policy by acting as a political consultant to the Saudi government while also accepting their money,” Wyden and Raskin wrote in the eight-page letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The letter has not been previously reported.
“Mr. Kushner’s proximity to President Trump and the potential for political interference warrants the appointment of a Special Counsel,” the letter adds.
Saudi Arabia has invested $2 billion into a private equity fund, Affinity Partners, that Kushner, who was a top adviser on the Middle East during Trump’s administration, founded in 2021 after leaving government, according to congressional investigators.
In a statement, Kushner says, “There is no conflict of interest.” He dismissed the letter as “silly political stunts” and says it is ” beneath the level of seriousness that both of their chambers deserve.”
Chad Mizelle, Chief Legal Officer at Affinity Partners, calls the request for a special counsel “a disgraceful attempt by Wyden and Raskin to turn an already weaponized DOJ into a fully political operation with accusations that have no merit or evidence.”
The Department of Justice acknowledges receipt of the letter but declines further comment.
The Saudi Arabian embassy doesn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Times of Israel Community.