Jared Kushner meets Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries with House control at stake

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries recently held a private meeting in New York with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and an outside adviser. The discussions reportedly centered on potential areas of bipartisan cooperation, specifically addressing issues such as housing, immigration, and the high cost of living. This unusual engagement was first reported by The New York Times on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

The meeting occurred as the November midterm elections approach, with Democrats favored to gain control of the House, which would position Jeffries to become Speaker. Kushner reportedly suggested a follow-up meeting between Jeffries and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The White House's outreach is seen by some as an attempt to foster a working relationship with Democrats should they secure a House majority.

However, news of the private discussion sparked incredulity among many Democrats and critics of President Trump. While Jeffries did not directly confirm the meeting in a public statement, he criticized the current Republican administration's "my-way-or-the-highway" approach to governance. House Speaker Mike Johnson, meanwhile, distanced the White House from Kushner, noting that Kushner is not formally involved in the administration's day-to-day operations.