Senior Advisor to former President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, criticized a CNN article that suggested his diplomatic work in the Middle East somehow benefitted investments in Israeli defense companies. Kushner took to social media to express his concerns about what he considered a misleading report.
The CNN article, titled “How Jared Kushner’s firm’s investment in an Israeli company could be a major conflict of interest,” attracted Kushner’s attention. He emphasized that the article contains information hidden behind a paywall that acknowledges: “CNN found no indication that Kushner’s actions as a diplomat directly affected the investments reviewed.” This critical detail, he noted, was buried deep within the report and accessible only to subscribers.
“Those facts make for a less provocative headline, but a much more accurate story,” Kushner stated.
The report by CNN explored investments made by Kushner’s company, Affinity Partners, in Phoenix Financial, an Israeli firm with links to military-linked investments. It stated that Phoenix invested in major Israeli defense companies, indirectly suggesting a conflict of interest.
Kushner countered that Phoenix is not a defense company but rather a large financial institution akin to Vanguard or Fidelity. He clarified that neither he nor Affinity Partners had direct involvement in choosing specific investments. “I have no role in deciding what Phoenix buys or sells,” Kushner explained.
In his response, Kushner also stressed the importance of his diplomatic work, vowing to focus on tasks such as helping to end conflicts and striving for peace. He dismissed the CNN report as a distraction from more critical pursuits.
CNN maintained its stance on the report, which also contained a statement from Kushner’s attorney refuting any implication of conflict of interest. A White House spokesperson echoed Kushner’s view by labeling such claims as persistent narratives pushed by opponents of the Trump administration.
Brian Flood, media editor/reporter for FOX News Digital, reported on this story. He can be reached via email or Twitter for further inquiries.