Two senior Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers from the White House regarding Jared Kushner’s efforts to raise billions of dollars from Middle East governments for his private-equity fund. This move comes while Kushner serves as an envoy for the Trump administration in the region.
Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) of the House Oversight Committee and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) of the Senate Finance Committee sent letters to the White House and Kushner’s firm. They stated their “serious concerns about whether the White House is letting Mr. Kushner use his influence for personal financial gain.” They went on to say that these actions could create conflicts of interest, potentially threatening the security of the American people.
Per The Hill, the letters specifically pointed to recent reporting that Kushner was actively trying to get $5 billion or more from foreign governments for his private investment firm, Affinity Partners. After the 2024 election, Kushner, who happens to be President Trump’s son-in-law, publicly said he would not collect more money for his firm during Trump’s second term. It is a tricky line to walk, and it seems everyone is watching closely.
It is all about the money
Ian Brekke, Affinity’s chief legal officer, confirmed that the firm had some “early conversations” about fund-raising. However, he clarified that Affinity “does not intend to take in any additional capital while Jared is volunteering for the government.” Brekke also assured everyone that Affinity has “abided by all laws and regulations and will continue to do so.”
A White House spokeswoman, Anna Kelly, jumped to Kushner’s defense, saying he “only acts in the best interests of the American public.” She dismissed the letters as “the same, tired narrative that Democrats have pushed against President Trump, his family and his administration for a decade.”
Unlike Trump’s first term, Kushner does not hold an official government role. Despite that, he has been a central figure in the administration’s foreign policy efforts. He has been involved in negotiating for the release of hostages from Gaza and holding talks with Iranian officials before the current conflict began.
Trump himself has publicly referred to Kushner as a “peace envoy.” He has even mentioned that Kushner advised him that the United States would face attacks if it did not preemptively strike Iran.
The lawmakers’ letter specifically questioned Kushner’s discussions with and compensation from the government of Saudi Arabia, which is a major regional rival of Iran. They estimate that Affinity collected a whopping $129 million in fees from Saudi Arabia’s government-run investment arm between 2021 and 2025.
Recent reports also indicated that Affinity met with Saudi Arabian officials recently to discuss investing more money in its fund. Despite the statements from Affinity and the White House, the entire situation and amounts in play raise severe concerns.
Even GOP senators have questioned how civilians can be envoys without accountability. Additionally, we have seen business deals pop up within these peace talks, most recently with Russia, which would sideline Ukraine, the victim in this case.
Published: Mar 21, 2026 11:20 am