Less than two weeks before Election Day, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has urged the U.S. attorney general to appoint a special counsel to probe Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., accused Kushner of potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) related to his financial activities post his White House tenure.
Kushner, who served as a senior White House adviser in the Trump administration, has faced scrutiny over his hedge fund, Affinity Partners, which Democrats allege may have received undisclosed foreign payments. Raskin and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., highlighted reports suggesting Kushner acted as an unregistered foreign agent for Saudi Arabia.
The lawmakers raised concerns about Kushner's alleged advisory role to the Saudi government and his discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman post his White House term. They also pointed out a significant investment in Affinity Partners by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund following the Trump administration's conclusion.
Kushner and his allies have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated. They emphasized that Kushner's fund complies with all legal requirements and operates transparently. In response to the call for a special counsel, Kushner's spokesperson criticized the timing of the request, labeling it as a partisan move ahead of the election.
Republican Senator John Barrasso criticized the Democrats' actions, warning against the politicization of government institutions. The ongoing controversy surrounding Kushner could potentially lead to political tensions in Washington if Trump secures the presidency while facing a Democratic-controlled House.
Despite the outcome of the election, Democrats have indicated their intent to pursue investigations into Kushner's activities if they gain a majority in the House. The situation underscores the intersection of politics and legal scrutiny as the election draws near.