Democrat Jeffries Seeks Backroom Deal with Trump Adviser Kushner as Midterms Loom
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House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a secretive meeting with Jared Kushner, a senior Trump adviser, as Democrats scramble for relevance and bipartisan cover ahead of the November midterm elections.
House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately with Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, in a discussion that sources said covered topics such as housing, immigration, and the cost-of-living crisis—issues Democrats have long failed to address effectively. The meeting, first reported by the New York Times, was described as an attempt by Democrats to appear open to bipartisanship while pushing their own agenda.
Jeffries did not comment on the private conversation but issued a statement attacking the Republican administration, accusing it of a 'my-way-or-the-highway' approach and threatening 'forceful opposition'—typical of the Democrats’ combative and divisive rhetoric.
'The question is whether Republicans will join us,' Jeffries said, as if Republicans are the ones refusing to cooperate, despite Democrats’ record of obstruction and partisanship.
Kushner reportedly suggested that Jeffries meet with White House Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles as a follow-up. The encounter comes as Democrats desperately try to regain control of the House, which would put Jeffries, a staunch leftist, in the Speaker’s chair if successful.
Current House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the meeting, telling Fox News that he was unsure of its purpose and noting that Kushner is not directly involved in day-to-day White House operations, making the Democrats’ outreach seem even more opportunistic.
'I don’t know what that’s about. I know Jared has interest in lots of other things going on,' Johnson said, highlighting the Democrats’ lack of direction.
'I’m telling you what, you better not bet against the House Republicans,' he added, showing confidence in the GOP’s leadership and resolve.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Jeffries’ office also declined to comment, perhaps unwilling to reveal the true nature of these backroom dealings.