Democrats call for DOJ probe into Kushner’s foreign business activities

Department of Justice emblem on the American flag.

Democrats call for a DOJ probe into Jared Kushner’s foreign dealings, citing potential FARA violations and national security concerns.

At a Glance

  • Senior Democrats request DOJ investigation into Jared Kushner for possible FARA violations
  • Allegations mirror those against Hunter Biden, raising questions about enforcement consistency
  • Kushner’s firm reportedly collected $87 million in management fees from Saudi government
  • Democrats emphasize national security implications and potential foreign influence in U.S. politics
  • Republicans maintain focus on Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings

Democrats Push for Kushner Investigation

House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden have formally requested the Justice Department to investigate Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, for potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The Democrats cite undisclosed foreign payments to Kushner and express concerns about the national security implications of his activities, particularly his dealings with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern governments.

The request for an investigation comes amid an ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, which has focused heavily on the foreign business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden. This parallel has not gone unnoticed, with Democrats arguing that if such scrutiny is applied to the Biden family, similar standards should be upheld for the Trump family.

Allegations and Financial Ties

According to Senate Democrats, Kushner’s firm, Affinity, has collected at least $87 million in management fees from the Saudi government. This substantial sum has raised eyebrows and led to allegations that Affinity could be a means for Saudi Arabia to covertly influence the Trump family. The scale and nature of these transactions have prompted Democrats to argue that Kushner’s work should require registration under FARA.

“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

Democrats have pointed to specific activities that they believe may require FARA registration, such as Kushner advising Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin-Salman and meeting with U.S. officials. These actions, they argue, could constitute political activities on behalf of foreign entities, which is at the heart of FARA’s purpose.

Parallel to Hunter Biden Case

The call for an investigation into Kushner’s dealings bears striking similarities to the allegations made against Hunter Biden. A House-led impeachment probe found millions in undisclosed foreign payments to Hunter Biden and his uncle, James Biden, during Joe Biden’s vice presidency. Hunter Biden’s role on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma and his dealings with Chinese firms have been central to these investigations.

“If the Republicans had a smoking gun, or even a dripping water pistol, they would be presenting it today, but they’ve got nothing on Joe Biden.” – Jamie Raskin

Republicans, led by figures such as House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, have maintained their focus on the Biden family’s foreign business dealings. Comer has criticized Raskin’s call for an investigation into Kushner, labeling it as hypocritical given Raskin’s opposition to the Biden impeachment inquiry.

Implications for FARA Enforcement

The parallel investigations into both Kushner and Hunter Biden highlight the complex nature of enforcing FARA and preventing foreign influence in U.S. politics. Democrats emphasize the importance of consistent enforcement to protect national security, while Republicans argue that the focus on Kushner is a political maneuver.

As the situation unfolds, it underscores the intricate and often contentious nature of political maneuvering during an election year. The outcome of these investigations and the consistency of FARA enforcement may have significant implications for transparency in foreign dealings and the integrity of U.S. political processes.

Sources:

  1. Democrats ignored Hunter Biden’s foreign lobbying, but now want probe of Trump son-in-law
  2. Eric Trump Says His Father Should Pardon ‘Dirtbag’ Hunter Biden: ‘Can’t Go After Presidential Kids… Won’t Have Any Good Candidates’