Former White House aide Jared Kushner has been soliciting billions of dollars in funding for his new investment firm from wealthy power brokers in and around the Persian Gulf, The New York Times reported on Friday.
According to individuals familiar with Kushner’s dealings, has been trying to cash in on the relationships he cultivated with leaders in Middle Eastern nations such as Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during his tenure working inside the administration of former President Donald Trump, his father-in-law.
Emirati and Qatari investors, the unnamed sources said, appeared to have passed on the opportunity due to concerns over Kushner’s pro-Israel bias and lack of business experience.
But the Qataris eventually warmed to a possible deal, despite concerns that Trump would retaliate against them if he were to be reelected in 2024. **
The Saudis, meanwhile, have expressed interest in bankrolling Kushner because of the close relationship they developed with Trump’s White House.
“The kingdom’s $450 billion Public Investment Fund is negotiating with Mr. Kushner over what could prove to be a sizable investment in his new firm,” The Times revealed.
And while this sort of backend dealing may be unethical, it is not explicitly illegal.
