In a recent podcast, Jared Kushner asserted that the $1.5 billion raised from investors in Qatar and the UAE for Affinity Partners occurred without regard to Donald Trump’s election outcome. Kushner, who previously served as a senior adviser on Middle Eastern policy, emphasized the independence of these investments, amidst scrutiny over potential conflicts arising from his past government role.
During a recent podcast, Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, revealed that the $1.5 billion capital raised from investors in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for his investment firm, Affinity Partners, was achieved “irrespective” of Trump’s electoral victory. Kushner clarified his firm actively sought investments ahead of the election to avoid potential conflicts of interest should Trump win. Kushner stated that his major limited partners included Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Qatari Investment Authority, and a firm from Abu Dhabi. This capital increase occurred prior to the election, and Kushner assured the investors their decision was independent of political outcomes.
Controversy surrounds Kushner’s investment ventures, particularly following his role as a senior advisor during Trump’s presidency, focusing on Middle Eastern policy and the Abraham Accords. Several Democrats have expressed concerns regarding Kushner’s financial dealings, especially a $2 billion investment secured from a Saudi fund led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which transpired merely six months after he departed from the White House. In response to inquiries from lawmakers about potential conflict of interest, Kushner emphasized that their accusations do not reflect any wrongdoing on his part, asserting that his firm operates legitimately and is regulated by the SEC.
The topic of Jared Kushner’s financial dealings has been under scrutiny given his previous role as a senior advisor to Donald Trump, focusing on crucial foreign policy matters in the Middle East. His connections in the region are particularly noteworthy amid ongoing diplomatic shifts and economic engagements. His investment firm’s dealings with sovereign wealth funds have raised eyebrows due to the timing and nature of the transactions, which occurred shortly after he left the White House. Speculation regarding Kushner acting as a ‘shadow diplomat’ for Saudi interests has prompted some Democratic leaders to call for investigations into his activities.
Jared Kushner’s recent remarks clarify that the $1.5 billion funding from Gulf investors was obtained independently of Trump’s election outcome, emphasizing a proactive approach in capital raising. However, he faces ongoing scrutiny regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from his past advisory role and his firm’s dealings with Middle Eastern investors. Kushner contends that his business practices are legitimate and regulated, despite bipartisan concerns regarding potential ethical implications.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
