President-elect, Donald Trump is set to make his son-in-law, Jared Kushner one of his senior advisers. He is to play a key role in the presidential ca
President-elect, Donald Trump is set to make his son-in-law, Jared Kushner one of his senior advisers. He is to play a key role in the presidential campaign and his new White House job will cover both domestic and foreign policy. The 35-year-old who is married to his daughter, Ivanka, is a property developer with a wide range of business interests. He owns 666 Fifth Avenue, a skyscraper a few blocks down from Trump Tower, and at age 25, bought the New York Observer newspaper.
His appointment will be controversial because of nepotism laws and concerns over potential conflicts. Members of Mr Trump’s team have argued that a law barring officials from giving government jobs to relatives does not apply to White House positions. There are also federal ethics laws that mean government employees cannot profit from any businesses. Mr Kushner’s lawyer has said he would step down as boss of his family’s real estate business if he takes the job, and extricate himself from some of his assets. Jamie Gorelick of law firm WilmerHale said Kushner was committed to complying with federal ethics laws and had consulted with the Office of Government Ethics about what steps to take.
Mr Kushner was often seen by his father-in-law’s side during the presidential campaign and was heavily involved in its digital strategy. He played a role in the ousting of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie from the transition team during the campaign. Kushner has also been present at Cabinet interviews and in key meetings with foreign leaders. As US attorney for New Jersey, Mr Christie prosecuted Kushner’s father for tax evasion and witness tampering, and he served a jail sentence.
Kushner isn’t the only one with business interest set to join the incoming president’s cabinet. Several of Trump’s cabinet picks have business interests that will be scrutinised at confirmation hearings to take place this week.
