Jared Kushner Responds to CNN Article Allegations

Senior Trump advisor Jared Kushner accused CNN of publishing a misleading headline and article suggesting his diplomatic work in the Middle East benefitted Israeli defense company investments. This claim was made in a social media post on Friday.

Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a rare public critic of the media, took exception to a CNN report titled “How Jared Kushner’s firm’s investment in an Israeli company could be a major conflict of interest.” This article, published on Thursday, highlighted Kushner’s role as a negotiator during the Gaza conflict while his company, Affinity Partners, had significant investments in an Israeli firm involved with the Israeli military.

Disclosure of Investments

The CNN report made note that Kushner’s actions as a diplomat did not directly affect the investments his firm made. However, this point, according to Kushner, was hidden behind a paywall and buried deep in the report. CNN acknowledged the lack of direct influence yet cited that Phoenix Financial, a Tel Aviv-based firm in which Affinity Partners held shares, invested heavily in Israeli defense manufacturers.

Phoenix’s investments in firms like Elbit Systems and others supporting Israeli military efforts were clues CNN used to claim potential conflicts of interest. Yet, Kushner argued that Affinity Partners and he himself had no control over Phoenix’s specific investments.

Response and Clarification

Jared Kushner described the headline as misleading and defended his company’s financial activities as legitimate and well-regulated. He likened Phoenix Financial to Vanguard or Fidelity in their public and regulatory standing, managing large sums across various investments without direct control over military allocations.

Highlighting the performance of Affinity’s investment, Kushner noted its robust growth independent of recent military developments. He emphasized that Affinity, as an SEC-registered entity, did not directly own defense stocks as insinuated.

Kushner reiterated his commitment to public service goals focused on reducing conflict and fostering peace, indicating media distractions would not deter his efforts.

CNN’s Standpoint

A spokesperson for CNN stated that the network stands by its reporting accuracy. Kushner’s attorney also made clear to CNN that any claim of diplomatic activities influencing Phoenix’s investments was inaccurate.

Kushner’s remarks reflect frustration with what he perceives as a media cycle repeating unfounded narratives, pushing him to clarify his position publicly.