Democratic leader Jeffries meets with Jared Kushner as midterm elections approach

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has spoken with President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in recent weeks, suggesting that those close to the president may be preparing for at least one chamber to flip to Democratic control as the midterm elections approach.

A person familiar with the meeting, granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, confirmed the two had met. The New York Times first reported the detente, which comes as Democrats and Republicans publicly vie for control of Congress heading into November.

In a statement to CNBC, Jefferies did not comment directly on the meeting with Kushner, but said, “In every conversation we have with the Trump administration, we will continue to make clear that the affordability crisis is not a hoax and that we cannot tolerate anything short of transformative policy change.”

Kushner was one of Trump’s senior advisers during his first term, but will not serve in any government role when his father-in-law is re-elected in 2024. But as a negotiator and outside advisor, he has emerged as a central figure in the president’s efforts around the world.

The White House did not immediately comment on the meeting.

The New York Times reported that the meeting was a “catch-up” for the two men, who had worked together on a variety of issues during the first Trump administration. The newspaper also reported that Mr. Kushner offered Mr. Jeffries a meeting with Susie Wiles, the White House’s chief of staff, and a person familiar with the meeting confirmed that.

Kushner and Jeffries also discussed housing, immigration and affordability as potential common ground, the newspaper reported.

Jeffries suggested in a statement that Democrats might be willing to work with Republicans if they win a majority, but that would depend on conditions.

“We have repeatedly made clear that extremist approaches to stopping the madness are ineffective and will be met with strong opposition. The American people want bold change, and House Democrats will deliver it,” Jeffries said. “We are fighting for an affordable America. The question is whether Republicans will join us.”

The timing of the meeting suggests that some in the president’s circle are preparing for Republicans to lose near-total control of Washington in November. With less than three months left until the midterm elections, Democrats are leading Republicans by an average of more than six points in the popular vote.

Jeffries has served as minority leader since 2023 and is likely to become speaker of the House if Democrats control the chamber. If Democrats win, they are widely expected to launch a myriad of investigations into private sector officials, including President Trump and Kushner.

If Democrats win a majority in one or both chambers of Congress, it could effectively shut down any major non-partisan legislative push, making it even more difficult to raise the debt ceiling next year if it’s not raised this year.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) told Fox News on Sunday that Kushner is a “smart guy” who is “risk-averse.” But Johnson sought to express confidence that Republicans would maintain their slim majority in November and beyond.

“But what I’m saying is, don’t bet on House Republicans,” Johnson said. “Our foundation will crumble and we will maintain a Republican majority in the House.”