Top congressional Democrats are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Jared Kushner's ties to Saudi Arabia through the appointment of a special counsel.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden and Rep. Jamie Raskin argue that there is evidence of Kushner, who is Donald Trump's son-in law, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, as Just the News reports.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, representing Oregon, and Representative Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, submitted their request in a letter to AG Garland on Thursday. The letter asserts that there is sufficient evidence suggesting Kushner may have violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
The Democrats argue that a special counsel is warranted due to Kushner’s close ties to former President Donald Trump and the potential risk of political interference. They claim that appointing a special counsel aligns with the Justice Department’s precedent for managing investigations of this nature.
The request emphasizes the need for an independent investigation, given the political sensitivity of the case. Wyden and Raskin believe that Garland's appointment of a special counsel would ensure that any investigation remains impartial and free from political influence. In the letter, Wyden and Raskin allege that Kushner’s actions undermine the U.S. government's objectives. They argue that the seriousness of the matter necessitates a closer examination.
The letter highlights accusations that Jared Kushner has received at least $80 million from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other foreign governments since June 2021. Wyden and Raskin believe that these payments could indicate a conflict of interest.
They further allege that Kushner has provided advice to the Saudi government on U.S. foreign policy, in ways that could counter the objectives of the U.S. government. The letter claims that this advice was given covertly, raising concerns over potential violations of federal law.
According to the letter, Kushner’s advisory role and the financial benefits from Saudi Arabia are key reasons for the proposed investigation. Wyden and Raskin insist that such activities should be scrutinized thoroughly to determine if they breach FARA requirements.
The Democrats’ letter also addresses Kushner’s relationship with former President Trump. They emphasize that Kushner is currently advising Trump’s campaign while simultaneously receiving payments from foreign governments.
The letter specifically mentions, “By his own admission, Mr. Kushner is actively advising former President Trump’s campaign while being paid at least $80 million by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other foreign governments since June 2021.” This dual role is a major point of concern for Wyden and Raskin, who argue that it could potentially influence U.S. foreign policy decisions. They believe this situation justifies the need for an impartial review by a special counsel.
Wyden and Raskin’s request emphasizes their belief in the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Justice Department’s investigation process. They see the appointment of a special counsel as essential to protecting the credibility of any findings.
The letter asserts that without such oversight, there is a risk that the investigation could be subject to external pressures. The congressmen believe that an independent inquiry would ensure that any potential wrongdoing is addressed without bias.
The letter concludes with a call to Attorney General Garland to consider the precedent set by similar cases and to prioritize transparency and fairness in the investigation process. Wyden and Raskin emphasize the critical nature of examining Kushner’s actions in thorough fashion.
