Following a CNN investigation last week that revealed that Jared Kushner’s private equity firm is the largest shareholder in an Israeli company that supports businesses involved in Israel’s military campaigns, a prominent Democratic legislator is requesting information regarding his financial investments.
On Monday, Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to Affinity Partners, Kushner’s investment firm, informing them that the committee’s Democrats were “investigating the unprecedented and dangerous ways in which President Trump and his family have profited directly from their access to power.”
I am writing to request comprehensive information regarding your business activities in the Middle East in order to ascertain whether your substantial financial gains have been achieved at the expense of the safety and security of Americans,” the California representative stated. The letter is yet another indication that House Democrats are prepared to investigate the business dealings of President Donald Trump’s family members in the United States and abroad if they regain the majority in the midterm elections this fall.
An attorney for Kushner refuted Garcia’s criticisms and attempted to emphasise the congressman’s personal investments in the investments that were the subject of CNN’s report on Kushner. These investments include Phoenix Financial, an Israeli financial services firm that is the largest investor of Affinity Partners, and Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer.
In a statement to CNN, the attorney stated, “Rep. Garcia’s letter is a masterclass in irony: A member of Congress questioning a private citizen for having an interest in the same stock in which the member also holds an interest.” Jared is not involved in the decision-making process regarding Phoenix’s acquisitions or dispositions. However, if Rep. Garcia is unconcerned with this, he should commence his own inquiry.
Garcia’s pension plans are administered by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the California State Teachers Retirement System, according to his most recent disclosure forms. Both plans maintain stock in either Phoenix Financials or Elbit Systems.
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