05/06/2026
Jared Kushner is a figure whose influence comes from a mix of wealth, family connections, and behind-the-scenes political power.
Early life & background
He was born January 10, 1981, into a wealthy real estate family in New Jersey. His father, Charles Kushner, built a major property empire but also went to prison in 2005 for tax evasion and other charges—an event that shaped Jared’s early career. During that time, Jared took a more active role in the family business.
He attended Harvard and later earned degrees from NYU, though his admission to Harvard has been publicly debated due to family donations.
Business career (more detail)
Kushner expanded Kushner Companies into high-profile Manhattan real estate. One of the most talked-about deals was the purchase of 666 Fifth Avenue in New York—considered risky and financially strained for years.
He also bought The New York Observer, repositioning it from a traditional print paper into a more digital-focused outlet.
After leaving government, he launched an investment firm called Affinity Partners, which notably received billions in funding from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund—raising scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.
Role in the Trump White House
As a senior advisor to Donald Trump, Kushner had an unusually broad portfolio despite having no prior government experience. He worked on:
* Middle East diplomacy: He played a central role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
* Criminal justice reform: Helped push the First Step Act, a bipartisan prison reform bill.
* COVID-19 response: Was involved in coordinating federal supply efforts early in the pandemic, which drew mixed reviews.
* Immigration & peace plans: Helped draft a controversial Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal.
Power & criticism
Kushner was one of the most influential unelected figures in modern U.S. politics. Supporters say he was a pragmatic dealmaker who achieved tangible diplomatic results. Critics argue:
