New York City, New York — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a private meeting with Jared Kushner in recent weeks, prompting sharp criticism from progressives already frustrated with Democratic leadership’s approach to President Donald Trump.
The New York Times reported that Jeffries and Trump’s son-in-law and outside adviser discussed housing, immigration and affordability during a meeting arranged through a mutual friend. Kushner also suggested Jeffries meet with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles as Democrats position themselves for a possible House majority after November’s midterms.
Jeffries and Kushner have maintained contact since working together on the bipartisan First Step Act, a criminal justice reform law passed during Trump’s first term.
The meeting nevertheless triggered immediate backlash from progressive commentators. Former Obama administration official Tommy Vietor argued Jeffries should be seeking documents and subpoenas from Kushner rather than cooperation, while journalist Jeff Jarvis said Democrats need “fighters, not conciliators.”
The controversy comes while Jeffries and Trump publicly trade attacks. Trump recently posted an AI-generated image mocking Jeffries that the Democratic leader condemned as racist.
House Speaker Mike Johnson downplayed the meeting Sunday, saying conversations across party lines are routine in Washington.
Neither Jeffries nor Kushner has indicated that the private discussion produced any specific agreement or policy commitment.
Sources
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