Jared Kushner Challenges CNN’s Report on Investment Ties

Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to former President Donald Trump, recently criticized CNN for a report he described as misleading. The report implied that Kushner’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East were linked to investments in Israeli defense companies. Kushner, who rarely speaks publicly against the media, expressed his views on social media.

The CNN article, titled ‘How Jared Kushner’s firm’s investment in an Israeli company could be a major conflict of interest,’ suggested a potential conflict due to Kushner’s involvement with Affinity Partners. This firm was noted to have significant investments in an Israeli company tied to military operations in Gaza.

Kushner’s online response emphasized that CNN’s headline contradicted its own reporting. He pointed out that CNN stated there was no indication that his diplomatic actions directly influenced the investments in question. However, this clarification was deep within the article, available only to subscribers.

CNN’s report explored Phoenix Financial, an Israeli firm linked to military investments, which Affinity Partners had increased its stake in prior to Trump’s return to office.

The report cited that Phoenix Financial, a company where Affinity Partners held investments, invested heavily in Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems. Kushner highlighted that while Phoenix Financial did invest in defense, Affinity did not hold direct stakes in these companies.

Kushner compared Phoenix Financial to American financial giants like Vanguard or Fidelity and stressed the heavily regulated nature of the company. He asserted Affinity’s investments were public and made before Trump’s re-election and his return to public service.

Kushner stated his focus remained on ending conflicts and promoting peace, saying misleading media narratives would not distract him from his commitments. CNN, however, stood by its report despite Kushner’s objections.

In his follow-up comments, Kushner expressed frustration over what he views as repeated misrepresentations by the media, claiming this has led to a distorted record over time. He felt compelled to address these issues directly after remaining silent for many years.

CNN included a statement from Kushner’s attorney within the article, affirming no connection between Kushner’s diplomatic work and Phoenix’s investment decisions. A White House representative told CNN that suggestions of Kushner’s business activities influencing his diplomatic engagements stem from long-standing political narratives.