Jared Kushner’s Received Saudi Payments for $2 Billion Raise Questions of Ethics
The substantial payments received by Jared Kushner from Saudi Arabia have sparked scrutiny and criticism, with concerns over the lack
Nik Richie
The substantial payments received by Jared Kushner from Saudi Arabia have sparked scrutiny and criticism, with concerns over the lack of visible output and accusations of receiving “money for nothing.”
Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump and husband of Ivanka Trump, has been a key figure both in the Trump administration and his subsequent role at Affinity Partners, an investment firm he founded after leaving the White House in 2021. Despite his involvement in shaping Middle East policy during his White House tenure, Kushner’s dealings with Saudi Arabia have drawn attention.
Reportedly securing approximately $2 billion in funding from the Saudi government, Kushner’s firm received authorization to invest these funds in Israel. However, a recent Wall Street Journal report revealed that despite receiving the funds years ago, Kushner has yet to make significant investments on behalf of Saudi Arabia. Despite this, he has reportedly earned “tens of millions in management fees each year.”
Kushner defended his firm’s approach, attributing the delay to the firm’s commitment to maintaining high standards during a challenging investment climate. “Deployment has been slower than expected because we maintained high standards,” Kushner explained. “In retrospect, I’m glad we didn’t follow the herd.”
Critics, including Norm Eisen from the Brookings Institution, have raised concerns about the purpose behind these payments. Eisen suggested that the payments might be an attempt to cultivate favor with Kushner, potentially with the goal of building connections to Trump’s family should he decide to run for president again in the 2024 election.
Eisen’s remarks highlight a growing sentiment of unease, with questions about the propriety and ethics of Kushner’s financial dealings. The lack of visible transactions coupled with significant payments has led to concerns of possible impropriety and a potential quid pro quo arrangement. As discussions continue, the nature and implications of Kushner’s Saudi payments remain under close scrutiny.