House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has defended his private meeting with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and envoy, asserting that no one from the 'Trump cartel' is getting a pass. The meeting, first reported by the New York Times on Sunday, has sparked criticism from within Jeffries' own party.
Jeffries Responds to Criticism
In an X post on Monday, Jeffries insisted: 'No one from the Trump cartel is getting a pass.' He added, 'I shouldn't have to say it, but I am. No one is going to get a pass. 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.'
Jeffries said he agreed to the meeting 'to discuss the affordability crisis' in the US, covering issues like housing, immigration, and the high cost of living. The meeting was reportedly arranged at Kushner's request.
Democratic Backlash
The meeting has provoked strong reactions from Democrats. Tommy Vietor, a former Obama aide and co-host of Pod Save America, criticized Kushner, noting he had 'no actual government job' and claiming he 'just uses his family connections to get money from Gulf autocrats and fund corrupt deals.'
Former Clinton strategist James Carville issued an 'urgent message to Hakeem Jeffries,' suggesting that instead of meeting to discuss affordability, Jeffries should 'drag his ass' before a congressional committee and grill him on his 'backdoor-dealing' with other figures in Trump's orbit. Carville added that the Trump administration and its allies 'have no idea what they're doing' and are 'making every backdoor bullshit deal they can. And we don't meet with them. Don't meet with them.'
Support from Allies
Despite the criticism, Jeffries retains support from some quarters. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who opposed a primary challenge to Jeffries' Brooklyn seat, said, 'I continue to support Congressman Jeffries and his bid to become the leader.' This statement came after Mamdani was asked if he would still back Jeffries as House majority leader if Democrats retake the House in November.
Republicans have been more circumspect. House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News's Peter Doocy on Sunday, 'I don't know what that's about. I know Jared has interest in lots of other things going on.' Johnson added that Kushner is 'not really directly involved in the admin, at least in the day-to-day in the White House.'
In an earlier response to the news, Jeffries said he was looking 'to stop the madness,' adding that Democrats 'have repeatedly made clear that an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition.'
