Democrats demand probe into Jared Kushner’s Saudi ties, igniting fierce debate over foreign influence in U.S. politics.
At a Glance
- Senior Democrats call for DOJ investigation into Jared Kushner’s potential FARA violations
- Kushner’s firm reportedly received $87 million in management fees from Saudi government
- Democrats allege Kushner’s activities may require FARA registration
- Parallels drawn to Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings and ongoing impeachment inquiry
- Debate highlights perceived inconsistencies in FARA enforcement and political tensions
Democrats Push for DOJ Probe into Kushner’s Foreign Ties
In a bold move that’s sure to ruffle feathers in Washington, senior congressional Democrats have called on the Justice Department to investigate Jared Kushner, former President Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, for potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
In other words, they’re planning a new witch hunt.
House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden are leading the charge, citing undisclosed foreign payments to Kushner and national security implications of his activities.
The Democrats’ request comes amid an ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, which has focused heavily on Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. This parallel has not gone unnoticed, with both cases frequently linked in political discourse. However, Democrats contend that Kushner’s dealings merit distinct examination, particularly his interactions with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern governments.
🚨NEW: RM @RepRaskin and Senate Finance Chair @RonWyden urge DOJ to appoint a special counsel to investigate Jared Kushner—former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law & former senior White House adviser—for acting as an unregistered foreign agent:https://t.co/xAFBVpogT7
— Oversight Committee Democrats (@OversightDems) October 24, 2024
Allegations of Undisclosed Foreign Payments
At the heart of the Democrats’ concerns are allegations that Kushner’s firm, Affinity, collected at least $87 million in management fees from the Saudi government. This revelation has led to accusations that Affinity may be a conduit for the Saudis to covertly influence the Trump family. The scale and nature of these payments have raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether they necessitate FARA registration.
“The scale of these undisclosed foreign payments to Mr. Kushner coupled with the national security implications of his apparent ongoing efforts to sell political influence to the highest foreign bidder are unprecedented and demand action from DOJ,” Jamie Raskin and Ron Wyden said.
Democrats argue that Kushner’s work with Saudi Arabia, including advising Crown Prince Mohammad bin-Salman and meeting with U.S. officials, may require FARA registration. They emphasize the importance of enforcing FARA to protect national security and prevent foreign influence in U.S. politics.
Parallels to Hunter Biden Case
The call for an investigation into Kushner’s activities comes against the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny into Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. A House-led impeachment probe found millions in undisclosed foreign payments to Hunter Biden and James Biden during Joe Biden’s vice presidency. Hunter’s role on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma and his dealings with a Chinese firm have been cited as examples of his foreign income.
The difference? We know Hunter Biden did something wrong. There are mountains of evidence. But Jared? Well, he worked with Trump, so he’s immediately guilty…
