Democratic House Leader Jeffries Meets with Jared Kushner as Midterms Loom

In recent weeks, Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, held a meeting with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. This encounter suggests that individuals close to the president may be preparing for the possibility of at least one chamber of Congress falling under Democratic control as the midterm elections approach.

A source with knowledge of the meeting, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, confirmed that the two men had met. The New York Times was the first to report on this exchange, which occurs as Democrats and Republicans are actively competing for control of Congress in the lead-up to the November elections.

When contacted by CNBC, Jeffries did not directly address the meeting with Kushner. However, he stated that in all communications with the Trump administration, Democrats will continue to emphasize that the affordability crisis is a serious issue, and only significant policy changes will be considered acceptable.

Kushner, who served as a senior advisor to Trump during his first term, did not take on a formal government position after Trump's reelection in 2024. Nevertheless, he has become a significant figure in the president's global initiatives, acting as a negotiator and an external advisor.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the meeting.

According to The New York Times, the meeting was described as a "catch-up" between the two, who had collaborated on various issues during Trump's initial presidency. The report also indicated that Kushner suggested Jeffries meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, a detail corroborated by the anonymous source.

Sources also suggest that Kushner and Jeffries discussed potential areas of common ground, including housing, immigration, and affordability.

In his statement, Jeffries hinted at Democrats' potential willingness to collaborate with Republicans if they gain the majority, but on their own terms. He emphasized that Democrats are committed to substantial change and are "fighting for an affordable America," posing the question of whether Republicans would join this effort.

The timing of this meeting implies that some within the president's inner circle are anticipating a shift in power, with the Republican Party potentially losing its firm grip on Washington in November. With the midterms less than three months away, Democrats are currently leading Republicans on the generic ballot by an average of over six points.

Jeffries, who has held the position of minority leader since 2023, is a likely candidate for Speaker of the House should Democrats win control of the chamber. If Democrats achieve this, it is widely expected that they will initiate numerous investigations into the Trump White House and its associates in the private sector, including Kushner.

A Democratic victory in one or both houses of Congress would also impede significant legislative proposals that lack bipartisan support and could complicate efforts to raise the debt ceiling next year if it is not addressed this year.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., commented to Fox News that Kushner is a "smart guy" who "will hedge his bets." Despite this, Johnson expressed confidence in Republicans retaining their slim majority after the November elections, urging people not to "bet against the House Republicans."