Hunter Biden had been the subject of extensive investigations by the GOP-dominated Congress regarding his financial dealings with foreign governments. House Democrats call for an investigation into Jared Kushner’s Saudi ties in the spirit of fairness. Democrats cite $87 million in management fees paid by the Saudi government to Kushner’s firm. They want the FARA rules of ethics to be applied equally.
Democrats Demand FARA Investigation into Kushner
Senior congressional Democrats have urged the Justice Department to investigate former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and advisor, Jared Kushner, for possible violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The request was spearheaded by House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, who expressed concern about Kushner’s financial ties to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.
House Republicans are stepping up their investigation into Hunter Biden’s foreign activities, prompting Democrats to respond in kind. Raskin and Wyden argue that Kushner’s work with Saudi Arabia should be subject to FARA registration, citing parallels to allegations against President Joe Biden’s son.
🚨NEW: RM @RepRaskin and Senate Finance Chair @RonWyden urge DOJ to appoint a special counsel to investigate Jared Kushner—former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law & former senior White House adviser—for acting as an unregistered foreign agent:https://t.co/xAFBVpogT7
— Oversight Committee Democrats (@OversightDems) October 24, 2024
Allegations of Undisclosed Foreign Payments
The Democrats are most concerned about allegations of significant undisclosed foreign payments to Kushner. Senate Democrats allege that Kushner’s company, Affinity, received at least $87 million in management fees from the Saudi government. This has sparked accusations that Affinity may be a conduit for Saudi influence over the Trumps.
“The scale of these undisclosed foreign payments to Mr. Kushner coupled with the national security implications of his apparent ongoing efforts to sell political influence to the highest foreign bidder are unprecedented and demand action from DOJ.” – Jamie Raskin and Ron Wyden –
These allegations are strikingly similar to those leveled against Hunter Biden, who has been accused of accepting millions in foreign payments, often through shell companies. Hunter’s position on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma, as well as his interactions with Chinese firms, have been closely scrutinized.
Democratic Lawmakers Request Special Counsel Investigation Into Whether Jared Kushner Acted As Unregistered Foreign Agenthttps://t.co/6GNsDH158S pic.twitter.com/VoHOyFGnn9
— Forbes (@Forbes) October 24, 2024
Potential FARA Violations and National Security Concerns
Democrats argue that Kushner’s actions, such as advising Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and meeting with US officials, may require FARA registration. They claim that these actions could jeopardize national security and allow foreign influence in US politics.
The call for an investigation into Kushner comes as House Republicans continue their impeachment investigation into President Joe Biden, which is heavily focused on Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. This has resulted in accusations of hypocrisy from both political parties.
“Raskin is a hypocrite” – James Comer –
As political tensions rise, the debate over foreign influence and FARA regulations becomes more heated. Both sides advocate for strict enforcement of these rules, but each accuses the other of selective outrage. The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching consequences for future US politics and foreign policy.
Sources:
Democrats ignored Hunter Biden’s foreign lobbying, but now want probe of Trump son-in-law
Top Democrats Urge Justice Department to Investigate Jared Kushner’s Saudi Dealings