Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) have taken a bold step by calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to appoint a special counsel to investigate Jared Kushner for potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, they highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into Kushner’s activities as an unregistered foreign agent.
The letter pointed out that recent public reports and a Senate investigation have uncovered substantial evidence suggesting that Kushner may have acted as a foreign agent for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was revealed that Kushner had been advising former President Donald Trump’s campaign while receiving substantial payments from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other foreign governments since June 2021. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that Kushner has been secretly advising the Saudi government on U.S. foreign policy in a manner that contradicts official U.S. government objectives.
Despite engaging in clearly political activities, Kushner has failed to disclose his ties to foreign governments through FARA disclosures to the DOJ. The scale of these undisclosed foreign payments, coupled with the potential national security implications of Kushner’s actions, necessitate a thorough investigation by the DOJ. Raskin and Wyden emphasized the urgency of appointing a special counsel to determine whether Kushner is leveraging his influence for foreign government clients without making mandatory disclosures.
Kushner’s questionable actions have raised serious concerns about his role as a national security risk and potential foreign agent. His inability to obtain a security clearance during Trump’s presidency due to national security concerns further underscores the need for a comprehensive investigation into his activities. The fact that Kushner received a security clearance only after Trump overruled the national security community is particularly troubling.
Moreover, Kushner’s acceptance of a significant sum of money from Saudi Arabia under the guise of a “business investment” raises red flags about his intentions and loyalties. The lack of apparent returns on Saudi Arabia’s investment in Kushner only adds to suspicions about his motives and actions.
Looking ahead, if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidency, Democrats are likely to push for the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate Kushner further. The potential ramifications of Kushner’s actions on U.S. domestic and foreign policy demand a thorough and impartial investigation to uphold the integrity of the government and protect national security interests.
In conclusion, the call for a special counsel to investigate Jared Kushner underscores the seriousness of the allegations against him and the need for accountability. The DOJ must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that any potential violations of FARA are addressed and that the rule of law is upheld. Only through a comprehensive investigation can the truth about Kushner’s actions be uncovered and appropriate measures taken to safeguard the nation’s interests.
