History of Jared Kushner in Timeline
Jared Corey Kushner is a prominent American businessman and investor recognized for his role as a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump. Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, served in the Trump administration from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure, he was notably the Director of the Office of American Innovation, where he focused on modernizing government operations and policies. His professional background spans various sectors, including real estate and investments, reflecting his significant influence in both business and politics.
1949: Kushner's Grandparents Immigrate to the U.S.
Jared Kushner's paternal grandparents, Reichel and Joseph Kushner, Holocaust survivors, immigrated to the United States in 1949.
1961: President Kennedy appoints Robert F. Kennedy as Attorney General
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, as Attorney General. This decision sparked debate about potential conflicts of interest and ultimately led to the passage of the 1967 anti-nepotism law.
1967: Anti-nepotism law enacted
In 1967, a law was enacted in the United States to prevent nepotism in government, prohibiting public officials from hiring family members. This law would later be cited in relation to Jared Kushner's appointment as senior advisor to President Trump.
January 10, 1981: Birth of Jared Kushner
Jared Corey Kushner was born on January 10, 1981, in Livingston, New Jersey.
1993: D.C. Circuit Court Ruling on Hillary Clinton's White House Role
A 1993 ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court allowed Hillary Clinton to serve in a policy role within the White House during President Bill Clinton's administration. This ruling set a precedent that would later be cited in relation to Jared Kushner's appointment to a White House position.
1998: Charles Kushner's Donation to Harvard University
Charles Kushner donated $2.5 million to Harvard University in 1998, shortly before Jared Kushner was admitted as a student.
1999: Kushner Graduates High School and Attends Harvard
Jared Kushner graduated from The Frisch School in 1999 and enrolled at Harvard University the same year.
2000: Kushner's Early Real Estate Dealings
Jared Kushner purchased residential buildings in Somerville, Massachusetts, for $8.3 million in 2000 and sold them four years later for $13 million, using the profits for future investments, including the purchase of The New York Observer.
2003: Kushner Graduates from Harvard
Jared Kushner graduated with honors from Harvard University in 2003, earning a BA in Government.
2004: Charles Kushner's Legal Troubles
In 2004, Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including tax fraud and witness tampering. The case was prosecuted by Chris Christie.
March 4, 2005: Charles Kushner's Incarceration Begins
Charles Kushner began his prison sentence on March 4, 2005, after being convicted of criminal charges.
2005: Kushner and Ivanka Trump Meet
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump first met in 2005 through mutual friends.
2005: Charles Kushner's Conviction and Jared's Shift in Career
Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, was convicted of criminal charges in 2005, leading Jared to take a more prominent role in the family's real estate business.
2005: Kushner's Real Estate Ventures at Harvard Conclude
Jared Kushner's real estate ventures in Somerville, Massachusetts, during his time at Harvard University, ended in 2005 with the dissolution of Somerville Building Associates, generating a profit of $20 million.
August 25, 2006: Charles Kushner's Incarceration Ends
Charles Kushner's prison sentence ended on August 25, 2006.
2006: Kushner Acquires The New York Observer
Jared Kushner entered the newspaper industry in 2006 by purchasing The New York Observer.
2006: Kushner Outbids Robert De Niro for The New York Observer
Jared Kushner successfully acquired The New York Observer in 2006, outbidding a group led by Robert De Niro.
2007: Kushner Earns JD/MBA Degrees
Jared Kushner graduated in 2007 with a JD/MBA from New York University School of Law and New York University Stern School of Business.
2007: Kushner Companies Purchases 666 Fifth Avenue
Kushner Companies, under Jared Kushner's leadership, purchased the office building at 666 Fifth Avenue in 2007 for a then-record price of $1.8 billion.
2008: Kushner Donates to Hillary Clinton Campaign and Observer Endorses Obama
In 2008, Jared Kushner donated to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, and his newspaper, the New York Observer, endorsed Barack Obama over John McCain in the presidential election.
2008: Kushner Becomes CEO and Faces Financial Crisis
Jared Kushner assumed the role of CEO of Kushner Companies in 2008. The company faced significant financial challenges due to the property market crash, leading to the sale of a controlling stake in 666 Fifth Avenue.
October 25, 2009: Kushner Marries Ivanka Trump
Jared Kushner married Ivanka Trump in a Jewish ceremony on October 25, 2009.
2009: Kushner Registers as an Independent
Expressing disappointment with Obama, Jared Kushner registered as an independent in 2009.
2009: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump Marry
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump were married in 2009. He also changed his political affiliation to Independent this year.
July 2011: Kushner's Daughter is Born
In July 2011, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump welcomed their first child, a daughter.
2011: Kushner Hires Elizabeth Spiers as Editor-in-Chief of the Observer
In 2011, Jared Kushner hired Elizabeth Spiers as the editor-in-chief of the New York Observer.
2011: Kushner Acquires Manhattan Office Tower
Jared Kushner purchased an office tower at 200 Lafayette Street in Manhattan for $50 million in 2011 and later sold it for $150 million.
2012: Elizabeth Spiers Departs from the New York Observer
Elizabeth Spiers left her position at the New York Observer in 2012.
2012: Kushner Endorses Mitt Romney for President
In 2012, Jared Kushner endorsed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney through the New York Observer.
January 2013: New York Observer Reports Traffic Growth Under Kushner's Leadership
By January 2013, the New York Observer, under Jared Kushner's ownership, experienced significant traffic growth, reaching 6 million unique visitors per month, up from 1.3 million.
January 2013: Kushner Appoints Ken Kurson as Editor-in-Chief of the New York Observer
In January 2013, Jared Kushner hired Ken Kurson, a consultant to Republican political candidates in New Jersey, as the new editor-in-chief of the New York Observer.
October 2013: Kushner's First Son is Born
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump welcomed their second child, a son, in October 2013.
2013: Kushner Companies Expands Real Estate Portfolio
From 2013 to 2014, Kushner and his company significantly expanded their real estate portfolio by acquiring over 11,000 units in New York, New Jersey, and the Baltimore area.
2013: Kushner Companies Purchases Jehovah's Witnesses Headquarters
Kushner Companies, led by Jared Kushner, acquired the Jehovah's Witnesses headquarters in Brooklyn Heights for $375 million in 2013, redeveloping it into an office park.
July 2014: International Sanctions on VEB
VEB had been under international sanctions since July 2014.
August 2014: Kushner Acquires and Sells Maryland Apartment Portfolio
In August 2014, Jared Kushner acquired a three-building apartment portfolio in Middle River, Maryland, for $38 million and later sold the complex for $68 million.
2014: Kushner Co-founds Cadre
Jared Kushner co-founded the online real-estate investment platform Cadre in 2014.
2014: Kushner Continues to Donate to Democratic Groups
Jared Kushner continued to make donations to Democratic groups in 2014.
May 2015: Kushner Acquires Stake in Times Square Building
Jared Kushner acquired a 50.1% stake in the Times Square Building from Africa Israel Investments Ltd. for $295 million in May 2015.
2015: Ivanka Trump Initiates Licensing Deal with Sanei International
In 2015, Ivanka Trump commenced negotiations for a licensing agreement between her clothing brand and Sanei International, a company with investors including the Japanese government's development bank. Although the negotiations began before Donald Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination, Ivanka later withdrew from the deal to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
2015: Kushner Joins Donald Trump's Presidential Campaign
In 2015, Jared Kushner joined his father-in-law Donald Trump's presidential campaign, marking his first involvement in campaign politics or government.
2015: Soros Fund Management Invests in Cadre
Soros Fund Management provided a $250 million credit line to Cadre, the online real-estate investment platform co-founded by Jared Kushner, in early 2015.
March 2016: Kushner's Second Son is Born
March 2016 marked the birth of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump's third child, a son.
April 2016: New York Observer Endorses Donald Trump in Republican Primary
In April 2016, the New York Observer, owned by Jared Kushner, became one of the few newspapers to officially endorse Donald Trump in the Republican primary. However, by the end of the campaign, the paper chose not to endorse any presidential candidate.
June 9, 2016: Trump Tower Meeting with Russian Lawyer
On June 9, 2016, a meeting took place at Trump Tower involving Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, Paul Manafort, and Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, who allegedly promised damaging information on Hillary Clinton.
June 2016: Kushner Influences Trump Campaign Decisions, Including Lewandowski's Firing and Pence's Selection
In June 2016, Jared Kushner played a significant role in the Trump campaign by influencing key decisions, including the firing of campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and the selection of Mike Pence as Trump's running mate.
June 2016: Trump Campaign Meeting with Russian Individuals
In June 2016, a meeting took place between members of the Trump campaign, including Jared Kushner, and Russian individuals. This meeting, later disclosed in Kushner's updated security clearance application, raised concerns about potential Russian interference in the 2016 election and became a focal point of subsequent investigations.
June 2016: Trump Campaign Offered Compromising Information on Clinton
In June 2016, an agent of Emin Agalarov reportedly offered Donald Trump Jr. compromising information on Hillary Clinton from the Russian government in exchange for a meeting with a lawyer linked to the Kremlin.
July 5, 2016: Kushner Addresses Anti-Semitism Controversy in Open Letter
On July 5, 2016, Jared Kushner published an open letter in the New York Observer in response to a controversy surrounding a tweet from the Trump campaign that allegedly contained anti-Semitic imagery. Kushner addressed his own paper's editorial by Dana Schwartz, which criticized his involvement with the Trump campaign.
August 2016: George Nader Offers Help to Trump Campaign
George Nader, an emissary representing the crown princes of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, offered help to the Trump presidential campaign in August 2016.
November 2016: Kushner's Undisclosed Calls with Russian Ambassador Kislyak
Between April and November 2016, Jared Kushner had two undisclosed phone calls with Russian ambassador Sergey I. Kislyak.
December 2016: New York Meeting with UAE Officials
George Nader attended a meeting in New York in December 2016 with UAE officials, Jared Kushner, Michael Flynn, and Steve Bannon.
December 2016: Kushner's Request for Secret Communication Channel with Kremlin
In December 2016, U.S. intelligence officials overheard Kislyak relaying Kushner's request for a "secret and secure communications channel" with the Kremlin using Russian diplomatic facilities.
December 2016: Kushner's Meeting with Sergey Gorkov of VEB
Jared Kushner met with Sergey N. Gorkov, a trained Russian spy heading Vnesheconombank (VEB), in December 2016. While the White House claimed it was a diplomatic meeting, VEB stated it concerned Kushner Companies.
2016: Christie Alleges Kushner's Involvement in Firing
Chris Christie claimed that Jared Kushner was responsible for his firing from Donald Trump's election campaign team in 2016, alleging it was revenge for prosecuting his father.
2016: Kushner's Use of Private Email for White House Business
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Jared Kushner's use of a private email account for official White House business came under scrutiny, particularly in light of Donald Trump's criticism of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while she was Secretary of State. Kushner's lawyer confirmed his use of private email but stated that no classified or sensitive information was transmitted through that account.
2016: Eric Schmidt Acknowledges Kushner's Pivotal Role in Trump's Campaign
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt acknowledged Jared Kushner's significant role in Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, considering it the biggest surprise of the election.
2016: Ivanka Trump applies for trademarks in China
In 2016, Ivanka Trump, daughter of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, applied for trademarks for her brand in China. These applications were reportedly motivated by concerns about counterfeit goods being sold under her name.
2016: Kushner's Russian Contacts During the 2016 Campaign
Jared Kushner acknowledged having four meetings with Russian individuals during the 2016 campaign and presidential transition, maintaining that none of these contacts were improper.
2016: Kushner Spearheads Trump's Digital Campaign
Jared Kushner played a key role in Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign by leading the digital, online, and social media strategies. He assembled a team of skilled individuals from Silicon Valley, forming a 100-person social media unit known as "Project Alamo."
2016: Kushner's Role in the Trump Presidential Campaign
Jared Kushner played a significant role in Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
2016: Kushner's Involvement in the 2016 Election
Jared Kushner's actions during the 2016 election, including his contacts with Russian individuals, became a subject of scrutiny and investigation.
January 9, 2017: Kushner Appointed as Senior Advisor to President Trump
On January 9, 2017, Jared Kushner was appointed as Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump, formally titled "Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor." Consequently, he resigned from his roles as CEO of Kushner Companies and publisher of the Observer.
January 2017: Kushner's Financial Disclosure Omissions
In January 2017, Jared Kushner omitted certain business relationships, including those with Goldman Sachs and George Soros, in his government financial-disclosure form.
January 2017: Kushner Steps Down from Newspaper Role to Join Trump Administration
Jared Kushner resigned from his position as publisher of the New York Observer in January 2017 to take on a role in President Donald Trump's administration. His brother-in-law, Joseph Meyer, replaced him.
January 2017: Kushner's Appointment as Senior Advisor Questioned
Jared Kushner's appointment as senior advisor to President Trump in January 2017 was met with scrutiny and legal challenges. Critics argued that his position violated a 1967 anti-nepotism law prohibiting public officials from hiring family members, particularly sons-in-law.
January 2017: Kushner Resigns from Kushner Companies and Partially Divests Assets
Upon assuming the role of Senior Advisor to President Trump in January 2017, Jared Kushner resigned from his position as head of Kushner Companies, the family's real estate business. He also partially divested some assets, including stakes in Thrive Capital and 666 Fifth Avenue, transferring ownership to family members rather than selling to third parties or establishing a blind trust.
January 18, 2017: Kushner Applies for Top Secret Clearance
Immediately following his appointment as Senior Advisor to President Trump, Jared Kushner submitted a request for Top Secret security clearance on January 18, 2017. However, his initial application omitted any mention of his contacts with foreign officials, including meetings with Russian individuals, leading to subsequent scrutiny and investigations.
January 20, 2017: Department of Justice Opinion on Kushner's Appointment
On January 20, 2017, the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion stating that the 1967 anti-nepotism law does not prevent appointments within the White House, paving the way for Kushner's appointment as senior advisor.
January 22, 2017: Kushner Sworn in as Senior Advisor
On January 22, 2017, Jared Kushner was officially sworn in as Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump, despite concerns about potential nepotism due to his marriage to Ivanka Trump.
March 2017: Trump Establishes the Office of American Innovation
President Trump established the Office of American Innovation in March 2017, with the goal of bringing private sector approaches to government problem-solving.
April 6, 2017: China Approves Ivanka Trump Trademarks
Coinciding with a dinner hosted by President Trump for Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago on April 6, 2017, the Chinese government granted provisional approval for three new trademarks for Ivanka Trump's brand. This approval gave her company exclusive rights to sell jewelry, bags, and spa services under her name in China, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
April 2017: Trump Considers NAFTA Withdrawal
Reports emerged in April 2017 suggesting that President Trump was contemplating withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
May 2017: Lighthizer Confirmed as USTR, NAFTA Renegotiations Begin
Following Robert Lighthizer's confirmation as United States Trade Representative in May 2017, formal negotiations to renegotiate NAFTA commenced.
May 2017: Kushner's Financial Disclosures and Business Activities Draw Scrutiny
In May 2017, Jared Kushner's business dealings in China came under scrutiny for potential conflicts of interest related to his government role. Reports also surfaced about his investments in real estate and financial services, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. The Wall Street Journal reported that Kushner had omitted certain financial information from his security clearance applications, including loans amounting to $1 billion.
May 2017: Kushner's Attorney Addresses Kislyak Calls
In May 2017, Kushner's attorney, Jamie Gorelick, told Reuters that Kushner had participated in numerous calls during the relevant time period and did not recall any with Kislyak.
June 2017: Kushner's Involvement in Qatar Blockade and Support for Saudi Arabia
During the diplomatic crisis in June 2017, when Saudi Arabia and the UAE imposed a naval blockade on Qatar, Jared Kushner sided with the Saudis and Emiratis. He reportedly undermined efforts by then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to resolve the blockade peacefully and urged President Trump to support the Emirati and Saudi position.
July 2017: Kushner Updates Security Clearance Application
By July 2017, Jared Kushner had revised his security clearance application (SF86), this time disclosing his contacts with foreign nationals during the 2016 presidential campaign. These disclosures, including the June 2016 Trump campaign meeting with Russian individuals, marked the first time government officials became aware of such interactions, prompting further scrutiny.
July 2017: Kushner Testifies Before Intelligence Committees
Jared Kushner appeared before the House and Senate intelligence committees in July 2017 as part of the investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
August 24, 2017: Kushner's Visit to Israel and Palestine
On August 24, 2017, Jared Kushner, despite lacking foreign policy experience, traveled to Israel and Palestine to discuss restarting the Middle East peace process with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas.
September 15, 2017: Kushner Granted Interim Top Secret Clearance
On September 15, 2017, Carl Kline, then-director of the personnel security office in the Trump White House, officially granted Jared Kushner an interim Top Secret/SCI security clearance. This clearance gave Kushner access to highly sensitive information, including details about intelligence sources and methods.
October 2017: Senate Judiciary Committee Requests Documents from Kushner
In October 2017, the Senate Judiciary Committee requested numerous documents from Kushner related to the Russia investigation.
November 2017: Kushner Interviewed by Mueller's Team
Jared Kushner was interviewed by investigators from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office in early November 2017, reportedly focusing on former national security advisor Michael Flynn.
2017: Jared Kushner Becomes Senior Advisor to President Trump
In 2017, Jared Kushner became Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump, a position he held until 2021.
2017: Kushner and Ivanka Trump's Financial Disclosures
In 2017, financial disclosures revealed that Jared Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, held assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars, including a valuable art collection.
February 27, 2018: Kushner's Interim Security Clearance Downgraded
On February 27, 2018, in the wake of the Rob Porter scandal, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly downgraded Jared Kushner's interim security clearance to "secret" status. This decision was reportedly influenced by ongoing investigations into Kushner's foreign contacts and potential security risks.
May 2018: Trump orders Kelly to grant Kushner top-secret clearance
In May 2018, according to reports that surfaced later, President Trump directly ordered his then-Chief of Staff John Kelly to grant Jared Kushner a top-secret security clearance. This alleged intervention, if true, would represent an unprecedented move by a sitting U.S. president.
May 23, 2018: Kushner Receives Permanent Top Secret Clearance
After a lengthy and controversial process, Jared Kushner was granted permanent Top Secret security clearance on May 23, 2018. The decision came amidst ongoing scrutiny of Kushner's foreign contacts and allegations of potential security risks.
December 2018: Trump Signs FIRST STEP ACT into Law
President Trump signed the bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, the FIRST STEP ACT, into law in December 2018, implementing reforms to the prison and criminal justice systems.
2018: Kushner Registers as a Republican
Jared Kushner registered as a Republican in 2018 after previously being registered as a Democrat and an Independent.
2018: Passage of the First Step Act
The First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill, was signed into law in 2018, with Jared Kushner leading the Trump administration's efforts to pass it.
January 2019: Trump denies intervening in Kushner's security clearance
In January 2019, President Trump denied intervening in the process of granting Jared Kushner a security clearance. However, his statement was later contradicted by reports from multiple news sources.
February 8, 2019: Ivanka Trump denies Trump's intervention in security clearances
On February 8, 2019, Ivanka Trump publicly denied claims that President Trump had intervened to secure security clearances for her or her husband, Jared Kushner. However, subsequent reports contradicted these statements.
February 28, 2019: Reports emerge of Trump's intervention in Kushner's clearance
Multiple news organizations, including CNN and The New York Times, published reports on February 28, 2019, alleging that President Trump had directly ordered then-Chief of Staff John Kelly to grant Jared Kushner a top-secret security clearance in May 2018. These reports, based on anonymous sources, contradicted previous denials of presidential intervention and raised significant concerns about potential abuse of power.
June 2019: Kushner Defends Trump Administration in HBO/Axios Interview
In June 2019, Jared Kushner participated in an interview with HBO/Axios where he denied that President Trump was racist and defended the administration's stance on immigration, including the decision to reduce refugee admissions.
June 2019: Senate Intelligence Committee Makes Criminal Referral for Kushner
The Senate Intelligence Community made a criminal referral of Jared Kushner to federal prosecutors in June 2019, based on concerns that his testimony was contradicted by Richard Gates, a former Trump campaign aide.
October 2019: Kushner Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer
Jared Kushner was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October 2019 and underwent treatment while serving in the Trump Administration.
January 2020: UN Investigates Kushner's WhatsApp Use
In January 2020, UN investigators found evidence suggesting that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in hacking Jeff Bezos's phone through WhatsApp. They advised Kushner, who also used WhatsApp to communicate with bin Salman, to take measures to protect his communications.
January 2020: Kushner's FBI Interview Transcript Delayed
The release of Jared Kushner's interview transcript with FBI investigators, ordered by a federal judge, was delayed in January 2020 due to a security review.
January 28, 2020: Trump Unveils Kushner's Middle East Peace Plan
On January 28, 2020, Donald Trump presented a peace plan authored by Jared Kushner, proposing a conditional path to Palestinian statehood. The plan, endorsed by Israel but rejected by Palestinians, sparked mixed reactions, with some Arab states expressing appreciation for the effort.
March 11, 2020: Kushner Involved in Writing Controversial Trump Address
On March 11, 2020, Jared Kushner helped write a controversial Oval Office address delivered by President Trump regarding the coronavirus outbreak. The address, which was criticized for its inaccuracies and lack of coordination with the coronavirus task force, led to market turmoil and confusion among European leaders and Americans abroad.
March 2020: Kushner's Firm Benefits from Opportunity Zone Tax Breaks
In March 2020, the Associated Press reported that a firm in which Jared Kushner had sold stakes had benefited from Opportunity Zone tax breaks, the same incentives he had advocated for as a White House advisor.
March 30, 2020: Controversial Website Project Scrapped
On March 30, 2020, it was reported that a website announced by President Trump to aid Americans in finding coronavirus testing sites was a project involving Oscar Health, a company with ties to Jared Kushner. The project was quickly abandoned, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
April 2020: Kushner Uses WhatsApp for COVID-19 Response
During March and April 2020, Jared Kushner reportedly used WhatsApp to communicate with his coronavirus team, raising concerns among cybersecurity experts.
April 2020: Kushner's Public Defense of Federal Stockpile Use
In April 2020, Jared Kushner publicly defended the federal government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, emphasizing that the federal stockpile was not intended for state use. This statement coincided with an alteration of the Strategic National Stockpile's mission statement on a government website.
May 2020: Kushner's Optimistic Claims on Coronavirus Control
In May 2020, Jared Kushner assured officials that the coronavirus was under control and a second wave was unlikely. However, by June 2020, cases surged in the United States, and concerns arose over Kushner family businesses receiving coronavirus relief funds.
June 2020: Kushner Facilitates Talks Between Israel and UAE
In June 2020, following the UAE's warning against Israeli annexation of West Bank settlements, Kushner seized the opportunity to mediate talks, ultimately leading to the normalization of relations between the two countries.
June 2020: Kushner's Optimistic Claims on Coronavirus Control
In May 2020, Jared Kushner assured officials that the coronavirus was under control and a second wave was unlikely. However, by June 2020, cases surged in the United States, and concerns arose over Kushner family businesses receiving coronavirus relief funds.
September 15, 2020: Signing of the Abraham Accords
On September 15, 2020, Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain formally signed the Abraham Accords at the White House, solidifying the normalization of relations.
November 30, 2020: Kushner and Berkowitz Mediate Qatar Diplomatic Crisis
Kushner and Berkowitz traveled to Saudi Arabia on November 30, 2020, to mediate the Qatar diplomatic crisis. Their efforts, which involved real-time negotiations between Saudi and Qatari officials, led to a breakthrough and the signing of an agreement on January 5, 2021.
December 10, 2020: Israel and Morocco Normalize Relations
President Trump announced on December 10, 2020, that Israel and Morocco had agreed to establish full diplomatic relations. The agreement, negotiated by Kushner and Berkowitz, included US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
2020: Trump Expresses Regrets About FIRST STEP ACT
According to reports in 2020, Trump privately expressed regrets about following Jared Kushner's lead on the First Step Act.
2020: Charles Kushner Receives Presidential Pardon
Charles Kushner was controversially pardoned by President Trump in 2020 for his 2005 convictions.
2020: Kushner's Role in Controversial Pardons
In 2020, Jared Kushner played a role in the pardons of several white-collar criminals, including Philip Esformes, who defrauded Medicare for about $1.3 billion.
2020: Kushner's Estimated Stake in Cadre
In 2020, Jared Kushner's ownership stake in Cadre was estimated to be between $25 million and $50 million.
2020: Kushner's Role in Middle East Peace Agreements
Jared Kushner was instrumental in facilitating the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states in 2020.
January 5, 2021: Resolution of the Qatar Diplomatic Crisis
On January 5, 2021, the parties involved in the Qatar diplomatic crisis signed an agreement ending the dispute at the GCC Summit in Saudi Arabia. Kushner and Berkowitz attended the summit, marking a successful resolution to their mediation efforts.
January 6, 2021: Kushner's Role During Capitol Attack
On January 6, 2021, during the Capitol attack, Jared Kushner was returning from a diplomatic trip. He later facilitated a meeting between Vice President Pence and President Trump to mend their relationship.
January 11, 2021: Reconciliation Attempt Between Pence and Trump
On January 11, 2021, Jared Kushner arranged a meeting between Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump to attempt to reconcile their relationship following the January 6 Capitol attack.
January 2021: Kushner's Role in the Office of American Innovation Ends
Jared Kushner's tenure as the director of the Office of American Innovation ended in January 2021 with the conclusion of the Trump Administration.
May 2021: Kushner's Post-Presidency Trip to UAE Raises Concerns
In May 2021, it was revealed that Kushner's Secret Service security team accompanied him to Abu Dhabi, incurring significant costs for the US State Department. This trip raised concerns among ethics watchdogs about potential financial ties between Kushner and the UAE.
2021: Kushner's fund amasses millions in management fees
By 2024, it was reported that Jared Kushner's investment fund had generated $157 million in management fees since 2021, with $87 million coming directly from the Saudi Arabian government. These figures raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and undue influence.
2021: Jared Kushner Leaves Role as Senior Advisor
Jared Kushner's tenure as Senior Advisor to President Trump ended in 2021.
March 31, 2022: Kushner Testifies About January 6 Attack
On March 31, 2022, Jared Kushner voluntarily testified for six hours before the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, becoming the highest-ranking Trump administration official and first Trump family member to be interviewed.
April 2022: Kushner's Investment Firm Relies on Saudi Funds
By April 2022, Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, primarily relied on Saudi funding, having $2.5 billion under management, with $2 billion from Saudi Arabia. This raised ethical concerns about potential payback for Kushner's previous government role.
June 2, 2022: House Oversight Committee Investigates Kushner's Firm
On June 2, 2022, the House Oversight Committee announced an investigation into whether Jared Kushner's new investment firm had leveraged his former government position to secure a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, raising ethical concerns.
August 2022: Jared Kushner publishes memoir 'Breaking History: A White House Memoir'
In August 2022, Jared Kushner released his memoir titled "Breaking History: A White House Memoir." The book provided Kushner's perspective on his time in the Trump White House and his role in various policy decisions.
August 2022: Kushner's Second Thyroid Surgery
Jared Kushner underwent a second surgery for thyroid cancer in August 2022.
2023: Chris Christie criticizes Jared Kushner's Middle East Deal
In 2023, Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie publicly criticized the Middle East deal orchestrated by Jared Kushner during the Trump administration. Christie questioned the decision to involve Kushner, citing potential conflicts of interest, and highlighted a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia to Kushner and Ivanka Trump after leaving office.
2024: Senate investigates Kushner's fund for potential foreign influence
In 2024, the Senate launched an investigation into Jared Kushner's investment fund for potential foreign influence related to the 2024 election. The investigation was sparked by a report in The New York Times suggesting that Kushner may have leveraged contacts made during his time in the Trump White House.
