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3mo ago

Jared Kushner’s Informal Role in Trump’s Middle East Strategy Raises Ethical Questions

As Trump prepares for a key Middle East trip, Kushner advises on expanding the Abraham Accords while his business ties to Gulf nations draw scrutiny.

Kushner meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2020.
Kushner sits aboard an EL AL Airlines jet upon landing at Abu Dhabi Airport in the first-ever commercial flight from Israel to the UAE on August 31, 2020.
Jared Kushner looks on during a swearing-in ceremony of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
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Overview

  • Jared Kushner is informally advising Trump administration officials on Middle East negotiations, focusing on expanding the Abraham Accords.
  • Kushner has been guiding officials on sensitive talks with Saudi Arabia, though no normalization deal with Israel is expected during Trump’s trip.
  • Kushner’s Gulf-backed investment firm, Affinity Partners, has raised ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest in his advisory role.
  • Trump administration officials view Kushner’s relationships with Arab and Israeli leaders as critical to advancing diplomatic efforts in the region.
  • Saudi Arabia’s normalization with Israel remains contingent on progress toward Palestinian statehood, a significant barrier to further agreements.