Kushner Meets House Democratic Leader Jeffries Ahead of Midterm Elections
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President Trump adviser Jared Kushner and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a private meeting in New York City as the 2024 midterm elections approach, discussing issues such as housing, immigration and cost of living.
President Donald Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner met privately with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in New York City, a source confirmed to CBS News. The discussion, reported by The New York Times, covered a range of policy areas including housing, immigration and the cost of living, and took place less than three months before the November midterm elections. Democrats are expected to seek control of the House, with Jeffries positioned to become speaker if they win a majority.
Jeffries did not confirm the meeting but issued a statement saying the Democratic Party will oppose what he described as a "my-way-or-the-highway" approach to governing.
"To stop the madness, we have repeatedly made clear that an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition," Jeffries said.
Kushner, who does not hold a formal White House position but advises Trump on diplomatic matters, previously collaborated with Jeffries on criminal-justice reform legislation during Trump’s first term. The White House and Kushner’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he learned of the meeting from news reports and expressed uncertainty about its purpose.
"I don't know what that's about," Johnson told Fox News. "I know Jared has interests and lots of other things going on. He's not really directly involved in the admin, at least in the day-to-day in the White House."
Trump has met with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi during his first term but has met with Schumer and Jeffries only once this term. He has used social media to criticize both leaders, though in a recent interview he said he could work with Jeffries and described him as a "nice guy."
"People are harsh on me. I'm harsh on them. It's part of the world. I'd probably get along with him very well," Trump said.