In a recent development, Saudi Arabia has invested £2 billion into an investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. However, Democratic lawmakers Ron Wyden and Jamie Raskin are calling for an investigation into whether Kushner acted as an unregistered foreign agent for Saudi Arabia, influencing U.S. foreign policy.
The lawmakers cited a Reuters report that revealed Kushner’s discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding U.S.-Saudi diplomacy concerning Israel post-government. This raises concerns about potential political interference and conflicts of interest.
Despite denials from Kushner and Affinity Partners, the private equity fund he founded after leaving government, critics view Saudi Arabia’s investments as suspicious. Ethics experts, Democrats, and some Republicans have expressed apprehension about the possibility of Saudi influence on Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump.
The call for a Special Counsel investigation adds a layer of complexity to the situation, especially with the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the history of Kushner’s involvement in Middle East diplomacy under the Trump administration.
As the story unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these allegations impact U.S.-Saudi relations and Kushner’s role in shaping foreign policy.