A map published by Newsweek shows the vast extent of travel Jared Kushner has undertaken as an envoy in the Trump administration. This comes as the White House addresses criticism following a lawsuit filed by a political watchdog group. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has accused Kushner of not receiving proper vetting for his role as a top foreign policy representative for President Donald Trump.
Kushner and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, influential diplomats during Trump’s term, have never been Senate-confirmed. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, also names Witkoff alongside Kushner.
“Kushner holds a continuing position and wields significant government authority without having been confirmed by the Senate and without having filed a single financial disclosure,” the lawsuit states.
CREW’s statement demands Kushner be compelled to cease his significant role and submit financial disclosures as legally required for U.S. government officials. The White House responded by emphasizing that using private diplomatic envoys for sensitive international scenarios is a long-standing presidential practice. Kushner works voluntarily without an official capacity, paying his expenses, according to the White House.
Kushner’s attorney, Chad Mizelle, dismissed the lawsuit as lacking merit. CREW alleges that Kushner unlawfully acted as one of the top diplomats without Senate approval or filing mandatory disclosures. The Constitution’s Appointments Clause mandates Senate confirmation for those wielding considerable authority in government positions.
CREW highlighted Kushner’s significant diplomatic influence, citing his meetings with foreign leaders to discuss complex issues such as U.S. relations with Iran, the conflict in Ukraine, and Middle East tensions. The group also noted Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, which manages over $6 billion in assets, predominantly owned by foreign investors.
The Ethics in Government Act requires such nominees to file public financial disclosures regardless of compensation. Mizelle stated that Kushner’s service was reviewed by ethics attorneys who confirmed compliance with applicable requirements. He receives no salary and is committed to maintaining compliance, according to Mizelle.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly criticized CREW as an organization consistently targeting Trump and his family. Kelly described Kushner as a proven negotiator operating voluntarily at the president’s behest, with no connection between his business endeavors and diplomatic activities.
Details of Kushner’s Travels
Kushner has traveled extensively since Trump resumed office in January 2025, often accompanied by Witkoff. Reported trips include:
- Egypt, October 8, 2025: Participated in talks at Sharm el-Sheikh regarding hostages and the conflict in Gaza.
- Saudi Arabia, November 8, 2025: Engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh concerning regional issues.
- Israel, November 9, 2025: Met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Gaza and ceasefire progress.
- Germany, December 16, 2025: Convened with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss Russia-Ukraine war resolution.
- France, January 7, 2026: Attended post-ceasefire declaration signing in Paris.
- Switzerland, January 20, 2026: Proposed a reconstruction plan for Gaza and joined the Board of Peace event.
- Russia, January 22, 2026: Held meetings with President Putin in Moscow.
- United Arab Emirates, February 4, 2026: Engaged in discussions on Ukraine with Moscow and Kyiv officials.
- Oman, February 6, 2026: Part of nuclear negotiations with Iranian officials in Muscat.
- Switzerland, February 17, 2026: Led a U.S. delegation for indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
- Pakistan, April 11, 2026: Visited Islamabad for talks with Iranian officials during a ceasefire.
- Qatar, June 30, 2026: Participated in peace negotiations in Doha between Washington and Iran.
- Russia and Ukraine via Poland, September 5, 2026: Held talks in Moscow with Putin and in Kyiv to resume negotiations.