US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently held a private meeting with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, a source familiar with the discussion has confirmed.
The meeting, held in New York City, came less than three months before the November midterm elections, with Democrats seeking to regain control of the House of Representatives. If Democrats secure a majority, Jeffries could become the next Speaker of the House.
According to reports, the discussion covered several issues, including housing, immigration and the rising cost of living, as well as areas where both sides could potentially find common ground.
Neither the White House nor a spokesperson for Kushner immediately commented on the meeting.
Jeffries did not directly confirm the encounter but criticised what he described as the Republican approach to governing.
“Democrats will not tolerate Republicans’ ‘my-way-or-the-highway approach to governing that has failed the American people,’” he said.
“To stop the madness, we have repeatedly made clear that an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition,” Jeffries added.
Kushner does not hold an official position in the Trump administration but remains involved as an adviser to the president on international diplomatic matters. He and Jeffries previously worked together on criminal justice reform during Trump’s first term.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was unaware of the meeting until he saw reports about it.
“I don’t know what that’s about,” Johnson told Fox News. “I know Jared has interests and lots of other things going on. He’s not really directly involved in the admin, at least in the day-to-day in the White House.”
Trump has had limited direct engagement with Jeffries during his current term, despite frequently attacking the Democratic leader on social media. Trump has previously described Jeffries as “low IQ” and a “thug”, while Jeffries once referred to Trump as “the dumbest president ever.”
Despite their public clashes, Trump recently indicated that he could work with Jeffries, describing him as a “nice guy” during an interview with Punchbowl News.
“People are harsh on me. I’m harsh on them. It’s part of the world,” Trump said. “I’d probably get along with him very well.”
