Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Kushner, Jeffries Hold Private Talks Ahead of US Midterms
Jared Kushner, an adviser to Donald Trump, privately met Hakeem Jeffries, a top Democratic leader.
They met in New York before the US midterm elections.
The conversation reportedly included housing, immigration and expensive everyday goods.
Democrats want to win control of the House of Representatives.
If they win, Jeffries could become speaker.
Kushner suggested that Jeffries also meet Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff.
Democrats say the administration should stop using a rigid approach to governing.
The meeting may show that Trump’s team wants to find ways to work with Democrats.
It could also help the White House prepare for possible investigations if Democrats take control.
Jared Kushner and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately in New York less than three months before the midterm elections.
The discussion reportedly covered housing, immigration and the high cost of living.
Kushner suggested Jeffries meet White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for follow-up talks.
Democrats are seeking House control, which could put Jeffries in line to become speaker.
The meeting may reflect Republican concerns about losing the House and facing investigations if Democrats regain power.
- Who
- Jared Kushner and Hakeem Jeffries met; Kushner is an outside adviser to President Donald Trump, while Jeffries leads House Democrats.
- What
- They held a private discussion about housing, immigration and the high cost of living, with a possible follow-up meeting suggested.
- When
- Less than three months before the November midterm elections; the meeting was first reported on Sunday.
- Where
- New York.
- Why
- The meeting may have been intended to explore cooperation with Democrats and address Republican concerns about potentially losing House control.
Democratic concerns
Trump-aligned interests
Governing approach
Democratic concerns
Hakeem Jeffries said Republicans should abandon a “my-way-or-the-highway” approach, which he said had failed the American people, and warned that an extremist approach would face opposition.
Trump-aligned interests
The meeting and proposed follow-up were presented as signs that the White House is seeking ways to work with Democrats if they gain House control.
Economic responsibility
Democratic concerns
Democrats blame Republicans and Donald Trump for failing to control inflationary prices and the resulting high cost of living.
Trump-aligned interests
Republicans, led by Trump, have portrayed Democrats as a party of dangerous extremes.
Possible Democratic majority
Democratic concerns
Democrats are campaigning to regain the House, with Jeffries potentially becoming speaker and pursuing aggressive oversight of the administration.
Trump-aligned interests
A Republican-led White House would face political fallout, investigations and a possible impeachment threat if Democrats retake the House.
- Participants
- Jared Kushner and Hakeem Jeffries
- Location
- New York
- Reported timing
- Less than three months before the midterm elections
- Discussed issues
- Housing, immigration and the high cost of living
- Possible follow-up
- A meeting between Jeffries and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
- Potential election outcome
- A Democratic House majority could place Jeffries in line to become speaker
- Earlier cooperation
- Kushner and Jeffries previously worked together on criminal justice reform legislation during Trump's first term