Jeffries Defends Meeting With Kushner Amid Democratic Criticism

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is navigating a complex political landscape after a private meeting with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, sparked criticism and debate within the Democratic Party. The meeting, which took place in recent weeks at a private location in New York City arranged by a mutual friend, focused on potential areas of bipartisan cooperation ahead of the November midterm elections, where Democrats are favored to regain control of the House.

According to sources familiar with the discussion, Jeffries and Kushner engaged in a broad conversation covering immigration, housing, and the cost of living. The meeting underscored a growing awareness within President Trump's circle about the likelihood of a Democratic-led House and an interest in establishing working relationships. Kushner also suggested that Jeffries meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Jeffries, the frontrunner to become House Speaker if Democrats win the majority, has a professional history with Kushner from their collaboration on the bipartisan First Step Act criminal justice reform law passed in 2018.

The revelation of the meeting drew sharp...