Amid scrutiny, Jared Kushner, who served as an adviser in the Trump White House and is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, presented a defense for his business interactions with Saudi Arabia post-administration. Kushner articulated his stance on the dealings involving the Saudi crown prince, who has been associated with the 2018 murder of writer Jamal Khashoggi for the Washington Post.
During his time under the Trump administration, Kushner engaged in diverse roles, including the pursuit of peace in the Middle East and established a rapport with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Notably, the crown prince directed sweeping social changes and enacted a rigorous clampdown on dissent.
Kushner commenced a private equity firm subsequent to his White House tenure and garnered a substantial $2 billion investment from the sovereign fund at the behest of Prince Mohammed, which prompted examination from Democrats.
During an address at a Miami event hosted by Axios, a media enterprise, Kushner submitted that he was in full compliance with all applicable legal and ethical regulations. He rejected the notion that his business arrangement might hold a semblance of conflicting interest.
“Point to one endeavor we undertook that wasn’t in America’s best interest,” Kushner posited to his critics, in defense of the decisions made under his White House service.
He reiterated the reputation of the sovereign wealth fund, known for significant investments in entities like Uber, Nintendo, and Microsoft, as one of the world’s preeminent investors.
On the subject of whether he trusts the U.S. intelligence reports alleging Prince Mohammed authorized Khashoggi’s murder, Kushner initially expressed frustration. The prince has consistently rejected these allegations.
Lacking personal perusal of the 2021 intelligence report that posited the crown prince’s approving role in the killing within the Istanbul consulate, Kushner expressed his view of the prince as a progressive leader bringing about transformative change.
Kushner upheld the Trump administration’s policies and cited President Joe Biden’s shift from his vow to ostracize Saudi leaders for their human rights transgressions, instead opting for collaboration on matters including oil and regional security.
He expressed his comprehension of the outrage surrounding Khashoggi’s death, remarking on the horrific nature of the event. But Kushner underscored his obligation to advocate for American interests.
Lastly, Kushner addressed his potential role in politics, specifically for a Trump 2024 bid, stating his current focus lies with his investment initiatives and family life away from the political limelight in Florida.
FAQ on Jared Kushner’s Business Dealings with Saudi Arabia:
- What are the ethics concerns related to Kushner’s business with Saudi Arabia?
- Did Kushner respond to the concerns?
- What is Kushner’s stance on the U.S. intelligence report about Khashoggi?
- Will Kushner return to politics if Trump runs in 2024?
Democrats and critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as Kushner’s private equity firm received a hefty investment from a Saudi sovereign wealth fund soon after his White House tenure.
Yes, Kushner defended his actions stating he complied with all laws and ethics rules and challenged critics to point out any decisions that were not in America’s interest.
Kushner claims he has not reviewed the intelligence report from 2021 but speaks highly of the crown prince, seeing him as a visionary leader who has achieved significant transformation in the region.
Kushner has indicated that he is not interested in returning to the White House and is instead focusing on his investment business and family life in Florida.
Conclusion:
In sum, Jared Kushner has made a firm stand in support of his business engagement with Saudi Arabia after his time as an adviser to President Trump, dispelling impressions of conflicting interests despite the scrutiny following the large investment from the Saudi wealth fund controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While expressing his perspective on the prince’s role in the Khashoggi murder and addressing his future political intentions, Kushner’s current disposition is grounded in his adherence to legal and ethical standards and a shift towards business and family priorities.