Newsweek has highlighted Jared Kushner’s extensive travel during his tenure as President Donald Trump’s envoy, as the administration defends him against criticism following a lawsuit by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). CREW claims Kushner was inadequately vetted for his role as a key foreign policy representative, describing him and Steve Witkoff, another influential diplomat, as non-Senate-confirmed figures.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and accuses Kushner of holding significant government authority without Senate confirmation or financial disclosure. The lawsuit states, 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.
CREW’s statement demands blocking Kushner from his influential role unless he files the legally required financial disclosures for U.S. government officials. In response, the White House informed Newsweek that using private diplomatic envoys is a practice dating back to George Washington’s presidency, with Kushner serving as a volunteer without an official capacity.
Kushner’s attorney, Chad Mizelle, denied the accusations on X, stating that the lawsuit is without merit.
CREW released the lawsuit on X accusing Kushner of unlawfully acting as a top diplomat without Senate confirmation or financial disclosures, violating the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the Ethics in Government Act.
Kushner reportedly exercised substantial diplomatic power, involving meetings with foreign officials over conflicts involving the United States and Iran, Ukraine and Russia, and Middle East affairs. CREW also mentioned Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, which manages over $6 billion in assets, mainly owned by foreign investors.
Mizelle claimed that ethics counsel confirmed Kushner’s compliance with ethical requirements during his volunteer government service. He emphasized that Kushner receives no government salary, covers his expenses, and will maintain compliance through ongoing counsel.
The White House spokesperson criticized CREW, labeling it as a Trump-deranged organization
and expressing confidence in Kushner’s record as a proven dealmaker. They asserted that Kushner’s business activities remain separate from his diplomatic role conducted at the president’s request while paying his expenses.
Travel Itinerary of Kushner as Trump’s Envoy
CREW disclosed Kushner’s travels, typically accompanied by Witkoff, detailing significant diplomatic engagements:
- Egypt, October 8, 2025: Sharm el-Sheikh negotiations for a Gaza Strip deal, reported by Axios.
- Saudi Arabia, November 8, 2025: Talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
- Germany, December 16, 2025: Discussions in Berlin on the Russia-Ukraine war.
- France, January 7, 2026: Paris signing of a post-ceasefire declaration for Ukraine.
- Switzerland, January 20, 2026: Presentation of Trump’s Gaza reconstruction plan.
- Russia, January 22, 2026: Meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
- Israel, January 24, 2026: Discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu mainly on Gaza.
- Oman, February 6, 2026: Muscat nuclear negotiations with Iranian officials.
- Qatar, June 30, 2026: Peace talks in Doha regarding tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
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