Amidst a highly charged political climate, Democrats are urging the Justice Department to probe Jared Kushner’s financial ties for possible FARA violations.
At a Glance
- Democrats want DOJ to assess Kushner’s foreign financial dealings.
- Requests stem from Kushner’s ties with Saudi interests.
- The debate highlights inconsistencies in enforcement compared to Hunter Biden.
- Democrats emphasize risks of foreign influence in politics.
Democrats’ Call for Action
Senior Democratic lawmakers have made a formal request urging the Department of Justice to open an investigation into Jared Kushner’s business relationships with foreign entities. Led by House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, the call specifically focuses on potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The concern primarily revolves around Kushner’s dealings with Saudi Arabian interests.
The Democrats’ appeal highlights revelations that Kushner’s firm, Affinity, received at least $87 million in management fees from the Saudi government. They allege that this financial connection could serve as a covert means for Saudi Arabia to influence former President Trump’s family through Kushner. Furthermore, they argue these activities necessitate disclosure under FARA regulations.
🚨NEW: RM @RepRaskin and Senate Finance Chair @RonWyden urge DOJ to appoint a special counsel to investigate Jared Kushner—former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law & former senior White House adviser—for acting as an unregistered foreign agent:https://t.co/xAFBVpogT7
— Oversight Committee Democrats (@OversightDems) October 24, 2024
Comparative Allegations
Democrats note disparities in how similar claims against Hunter Biden have been treated. Similar to the allegations against Kushner, a House-led probe found millions in undisclosed foreign payments to Hunter and James Biden during Joe Biden’s tenure as Vice President. These payments allegedly flowed through shell companies, raising questions about potential FARA violations. Jamie Raskin has been a vocal critic of the impeachment inquiry focused on President Joe Biden’s family, arguing for consistent and fair application of the law.
“The scale of these undisclosed foreign payments to Mr. Kushner coupled with the national security implications of his apparent ongoing efforts to sell political influence to the highest foreign bidder are unprecedented and demand action from DOJ.” – Jamie Raskin and Ron Wyden
This comparable scenario reflects a broader narrative of political discord, highlighting ongoing efforts to investigate potential foreign influences on U.S. policy. Democrats argue for the need to enforce FARA consistently to preserve national security.
Today @RepRaskin & @RonWyden urge DOJ to appoint special counsel to investigate FARA violations by Jared Kushner
Kushner Acted as a Shadow Diplomat & Political Adviser to Crown Prince MBS Who Directed Billions in Saudi $ to Kushner-Owned Affinity Partnershttps://t.co/RvEiY7LGfA
— Wendy Siegelman (@WendySiegelman) October 24, 2024
Broader Implications
By advocating for Justice Department intervention, Democrats emphasize the broader risks foreign influences pose to American governance. They assert that Kushner’s advisory role to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin-Salman, coupled with meetings with U.S. officials, may necessitate FARA registration. The overarching goal is to ensure transparency and accountability in dealings involving foreign governments.
As the nation enters an election cycle, Democrats hold firm in their resolve to scrutinize potential discrepancies rigorously. This effort to uphold legislative norms in addressing foreign influence remains a focal point amid the political landscape.