House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Monday defended his meeting with President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and promised to hold administration members accountable if Democrats win the House.
“Wanted to give you a little real talk on this Jared Kushner situation,” Mr. Jeffries, wearing a matching green baseball cap and polo shirt, said in a video posted to social media. “He asked for a meeting and I took it to discuss the affordability crisis.”
The New York Times first reported Sunday that Mr. Jeffries, a New York Democrat who will likely become speaker of the House if Democrats win the chamber, met privately with Mr. Kushner.
Mr. Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, is a special envoy for the administration.
Mr. Jeffries, filming himself in his Brooklyn district, tried to assure Democrats he was going on the offensive against those in the president’s orbit.
“I shouldn’t have to say it, but I am: No one is going to get a pass,” he said. “We’re going to hold every single member of the Trump cartel accountable beginning on day 1.”
He continued, “We’re going to follow the facts, apply the law, and be guided by the Constitution beginning on day 1 and hold the crooks accountable.”
The Democrat boasted of the departures of prominent administration officials during his time as leader.
“We’ve delivered results. Pam Bondi is gone, Kristi Noem is gone, and we’re just getting started,” he said, referring to the former attorney general and secretary of homeland security.
Mr. Jeffries’ meeting with Mr. Kushner has drawn mixed reaction from Democrats skeptical of the idea of working with the Trump administration.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat, said on MS NOW, “It’s important that if Leader Jeffries thinks something positive can come out of this, that he let us know what it is because this administration has, at every juncture, essentially undermined our democracy and undermined our economy.”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said on social media, “I also met with Leader Jeffries this week. We both know we have to do all we can to hold every part of the Trump cartel accountable. Jared Kushner clearly requested a meeting so he could leak he had one — and I don’t think Democrats should be divided by MAGA tricks.”
When asked for comment on Mr. Jeffries’ video and claims that people in Mr. Trump’s circle are “stealing from the American people,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told The Washington Times in a statement, “This is the same, tired narrative that Democrats have pushed against President Trump, his family, and his administration for a decade. Jared Kushner’s personal business activities have nothing to do with his diplomatic engagements, which he conducts on a volunteer basis at the President’s request.”
