House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries Addresses Circumstances Surrounding Private Meeting

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has clarified the circumstances surrounding his private meeting with Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. In a video posted to social media, Rep. Jeffries (D-N.Y.) acknowledged that the meeting took place and explained that Kushner had asked to meet to discuss the affordability crisis that exists in the country.

Jeffries emphasized that he accepted the meeting to address the pressing issue of affordability, which affects many Americans. He stated, ‘I shouldn’t have to say it, but I am: No one is going to get a pass. We’re going to hold every single member of the Trump cartel accountable.’

The private meeting between Jeffries and Kushner in New York City was widely reported on Sunday. The New York Times was the first to report on the meeting, stating that it had occurred in recent weeks and that the pair discussed a wide range of topics.

Kushner, who does not hold a formal White House position, serves as an adviser to his father-in-law and has been involved in foreign policy matters, particularly concerning conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. Jeffries, on the other hand, is the leading candidate to become the next speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives if Democrats regain control of the chamber in November.

Following reports of the meeting, Jeffries came under scrutiny by some for meeting with Kushner. Former President Barack Obama aide Tommy Vietor expressed concern, stating that the only way Jeffries should work with Kushner is with demands for documents and subpoenas. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) also weighed in, saying that there is no excuse for a secret meeting, especially before the election.

News of the meeting broke as the midterm elections in November approach. Trump has expressed concerns that if Republicans lose the House, not only will their power to enforce his agenda be hampered, but he may again face impeachment and investigations.

In the video, Jeffries stated that he wanted to have a ‘real talk’ on the Jared Kushner situation. He explained that if Democrats regain the House, they will hold Trump, his family, and the Republicans accountable. ‘We’re going to follow the facts, apply the law, and be guided by the Constitution beginning on Day One and hold the crooks accountable,’ he said.

Jeffries pointed to the departures of former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as examples of results Democrats have secured. He emphasized that congressional Democrats have battled the Trump administration on issues ranging from tariffs to funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the war in Iran, as well as alleged corruption that the Trump administration has ‘unleashed on the American people.’

Jeffries vowed that Democrats will continue to hold the Trump administration accountable, saying, ‘And we’re just getting started.’

The House Minority Leader’s comments come as the U.S. officially delists Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, Rep. Al Green files articles of impeachment against President Trump, and the Supreme Court allows Trump’s ballroom construction to continue.