WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressional Democrats have opened a new investigation into former White House adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, alleging potential conflicts of interest involving billions of dollars in investments from Middle Eastern governments while he continues to play a role in U.S. foreign policy discussions.
The investigation was announced by Ron Wyden, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, and Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
According to a March 19 statement from the Senate Finance Committee, Wyden and Garcia have requested information from the White House and from Kushner's private equity firm, Affinity Partners, regarding reports that Kushner has been raising billions of dollars from sovereign wealth funds controlled by Middle Eastern governments while simultaneously helping shape Trump administration policy in the region.
The lawmakers say the arrangement raises serious questions about whether foreign governments may be gaining influence over U.S. foreign policy through financial relationships with individuals close to President Donald Trump.
"Jared Kushner raising billions from Middle Eastern governments for his private equity firm, pocketing tens of millions in fees each year, while serving as Donald Trump's Middle East envoy raises serious concerns about his potential conflicts of interest," Garcia said in the committee announcement.
The lawmakers are seeking details about what safeguards, if any, exist to separate Kushner's government-related activities from his fundraising efforts and business dealings abroad.
Long-Running Scrutiny
The latest investigation builds on years of Democratic scrutiny of Kushner's business and political activities.
Wyden first launched an investigation in 2020 examining whether Kushner's role in U.S. foreign policy toward Qatar overlapped with efforts by Kushner Companies to secure financial assistance for the heavily indebted property at 666 Fifth Avenue in New York City.
The inquiry later expanded to examine Affinity Partners, which Kushner established shortly after leaving government service following Trump's first administration.
Democrats have questioned whether the firm's substantial investments from foreign sovereign wealth funds—including funds connected to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations—could represent a conflict of interest given Kushner's continuing political influence and close relationship with Trump.
In 2024, Wyden referred Kushner to the U.S. Department of Justice for possible violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, alleging evidence that he engaged in political activity while receiving compensation tied to foreign government-backed entities.
Kushner has previously denied wrongdoing and has maintained that his business activities comply with applicable laws and ethics requirements.
Broader Examination of Trump Family Ties
The investigation is also part of a broader effort by House Democrats to examine business dealings involving members of Trump's family and inner circle.
Garcia cited previous inquiries involving Michael Boulos and allegations that individuals connected to the Trump family leveraged political relationships in dealings involving foreign governments.
Democrats have also pointed to reports that Affinity Partners received billions of dollars from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund shortly after Kushner left the White House in 2021.
Additional scrutiny has focused on investments and development projects in countries including Albania and Serbia, where critics argue Kushner may have benefited from relationships developed during his government service.
Republicans Dismiss Allegations
Republicans and Trump allies have frequently characterized the investigations as politically motivated, noting that multiple reviews of Kushner's activities during and after his White House tenure have not resulted in criminal charges.
Supporters also argue that Kushner's extensive relationships in the Middle East stem from his role in negotiating the historic Abraham Accords during Trump's first administration, making him a natural figure for regional diplomacy and investment.
Democratic investigators, however, contend that the combination of private fundraising and public policy influence presents an appearance of impropriety that warrants congressional oversight.
The White House and Affinity Partners have not yet publicly responded to the latest requests for information announced by Wyden and Garcia.
As the investigation moves forward, lawmakers are expected to seek documents detailing Kushner's fundraising activities, communications with foreign government officials, and any internal safeguards designed to prevent conflicts between his business interests and involvement in U.S. foreign policy.
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