He Should not have been given high intentional duties as he is not responsible person yet, in the first place! He has no experience.
1
Watch the evolution in the M-E.....Trump , his son-in-law, and Tillerson did a very bad job and get played like children by the Saudis.We will all suffer for the gas price except certain producers and Mother Russia, of course
2
this apprentice needs a pink slip
9
So, that ladder to the moon (or something) that Jared was supposed to build is not going to happen?
7
Perfect word to describe Jared's relation to the Don "consigliere" - or perhaps Assistant President.
Does anyone truly believe Jared to be an impartial deal maker in the Israeli-Palestinian humanitarian disaster? So far the Palestinians position seems worse off since trump's inauguration, with the radical extremists in the Israeli government refusing to recognize Palestine's right to exist. Jared, as a real estate guy is certainly drools of taking away other people's land for his own personal benefit.
Innovation to Jared and trump is finding new ways to squeeze out another revenue stream from the White House. Like billions from the Saudi's to bomb civilians, schools and hospitals in Yemen - imagine the kickback on $100 billion in US weapons!
Isn't the approval of the many Trump brand trademarks by the Chinese that transformed papa-in-law's approach toward Beijing? That and the lucrative sale of Green Cards in exchange for investing in Jared properties in Jersey City.
Of course there are no CIOs at major agencies - that would require competent individuals and an actual scientist to fill in as ghost in the WH OS&T. The trump clan only know multimillionaire amateurs who specialize in sabotaging and destroying agencies.
At least Jared does have experience in reintroducing white collar prisoners into society.
5
I am waiting patiently for the day when people start to be frog marched out of the White House in handcuffs. Given his failure to disclose meetings, communications, and other activities with various Russians, I would imagine that Jared might be one of those people.
I think that the FBI will have to get a special extra small, gold-plated set of handcuffs for the Traitor-In-Chief.
12
What does the Times mean by his supporters? Are we just talking about Ivanka and his mother? Seriously, surely no one else supports this callow Richie Rich.
7
Can anyone name any positive accomplishment that this coddled poseur has accomplished during any one of his assignments that Donny the Dunce has given him? I cannot think of a single one.
I can think of many of Kushner's "accomplishments" that have been reported that are traitorous.
12
Public service requires self sacrifice, honesty, humility, teamwork, and transparency. I hope Jared learned some of this from his grandmother or his wife. His father, unfortunately, schooled him in the art of revenge, backstabbing, going it alone, entitlement, arrogance, deception, cut throat tactics, loving money over all else, slander and gossip. Jared’s one-on-one visits with his dad while he was in prison did not seem to result in teaching him the importance of remorse, contrition, confession, and absolution. Instead Jared purchased a newspaper and encouraged the journalists on staff to write false narratives favorable to their real estate empire. Jared has grown up with complete and abundant access to wealth and power. He got into Harvard after his father gave the University a huge donation. The New Jersey and NYC public officials who assisted them with their building deals were all handsomely paid.
8
Hundreds of commentators here laying into Jared Kushner while giving John Kelly a free pass.
10
With the new Trump tax cuts and the resulting flourishing and empowerment of an American aristocracy, before you know it we'll see nothing but this sort of young person in government. A person of good breeding, brought up in the best clubs and schools, full of self-confidence and great ambition, but sorely lacking in talent and sound judgement. God save us.
7
Can one be sanguine about Kelly placing Kushner on a short leash? NO!
Kelly's recent televised rants and lies, find us with a Chief of Staff who is quite comfortable emulating his boss's pathological lying.
12
If you never want to know where you're going until you get there, follow Trump.
I think the term "khalif" or "caliph" refers to a quality of behavior, not a public office or ruler. One who has "khalif" does not excoriate anyone else for doing what they know they would do themselves in the same position, as Trump excoriated Obama for playing golf.
I don't understand why people find this kind of behavior tolerable when Trump does it.
9
Jared Kushner is the poster boy for nepotism—particularly in that he has no qualifications for the position he is in and the powers given him. [The same, of course, can be said for his sponsor, father-in-law Trump.]
Maybe General Kelly, once he has complete White House control under a demented President and has quarantined Jared Kushner, can finally perform his most courageous act for his country—and help rid it of Trump, Trump's nepotistic immediate family, and those connected and joined-at-the-hip to Trump.
12
Kelly will never do that. His true colors were on exhibit with Trump's bungled expression of sympathy to the wife of the Special Forces officer killed in Niger. Kelly doubled down on that one. He also did not succeed in having the president speak forcefully about Charlottesville.
While he appears to have a talent for wresting and exrting power that he honed in the military, my suspicion is that he also may desire to maintain power for himself. The undue influence of active duty and retired generals is quite disturbing. Our civilian government is supposed to control the military, not the other way around. Kelly might be able to contain the influence of the likes of Kushner but he cannot save nor maybe fully want to save the country from Trump's policies. THAT is the possible danger of Kelly for the country.
Kelly might come to be better able to influence the president by controlling his environment, but Kelly may also have mixed motives--conscious or unconscious or both. A shadow or overt military government is not what this country needs. An effective, principled civilian executive branch is what it does need. Not sure Kelly can deliver that or that he desires to do so. He shares the Trump policy agenda so imposing order may simply make achievement of that agenda more effective and undue military influence on foreign policy more likely.
9
I wonder if Jared enjoys the vastly enhanced scrutiny he is receiving relative to the greatly increased visibility of his shady campaign and business dealings.
11
The appropriate punishment for Kushner's misdeeds would be serving a prison sentence with Donald Trump as his cellmate.
16
We all know that to get to those income levels, or even presumed income levels, something "unethical" was incorporated to get them there. You don't get to those levels without cheating in some way. Kushner is as inept as his FIL, and just as self-deceived. Money and the perception of money gives you that arrogance. THROW the scoundrels out!
14
Trump is the most unprepared and unqualified president in history, and it's not surprising therefore that he should have brought so many unprepared and unqualified "senior advisers" with him into the White House. Getting rid of Jared and Ivanka is like thinking you can save a gangrenous limb by amputating a couple of toes. The whole scurvy lot of them has to go, including the Trump.
23
Who woulda thought that dealing with people who aren't on your payroll or that pay rent to you isn't a piece of cake? Management and particularly government management means leading others not by force, but by persuasion and buy-in to a goal other than a paycheck or fatter wallet - things that the boy wonder and the wonder girl aren't known for.
10
Trump thought that Ivanka and Jared were going to take over the White House instead of him having to run for a second term. He really thinks that he can run the country like it's his own business. He is that twisted. He is that far from reality. He really did think that he was going to slap Hillary in the face by having his daughter become the first woman President.
Unfortunately for little Donny, he is actually going to be shown the door by the first woman President - Elizabeth Warren.
24
The Peter Principle is embodied by Jared Kushner. However, his level of competence is actually that of a loan officer at a local branch bank in Tarrytown, based on his actual qualifications, intelligence, and career.
His father bought a place for him at Harvard in exchange for a $5 million (or was it $50 million?) dollar donation, when he should have attended Rutgers or a local community college (no offense, Rutgers). He used Daddy's money to buy the Observer and turned it from a decent newspaper into an ideological rag, now gone. He took Daddy's real estate empire of slum housing in New Jersey and tried to transmogrify it into gold by overpaying (by at least 150%) for 666 Fifth at the height of the real estate bubble, and now has $1.2 billion in debt for a building worth, at most, $350 million.
Great track record, Jared. And Mr. Kelly says the "innovation office" has proved its worth because some of its members flew to Puerto Rico to report on the damage from Hurricane Maria? Guess what, Mr. Kelly? Disaster specialists have been flying to places where disaster struck, and reporting on the damage, for generations! There's nothing innovative about sending Jared's chums--who have no expertise in disaster relief--to do so.
I am a Columbia alum, who attended on a merit-based academic scholarship. I recognize Ivy League legacy grads wherever they crop up -- and Jared is the most mediocre of all those mediocrities.
24
Read "The Price of Admission" by Daniel Golden, pages 44-48, which specifically describe the Kushner family. It was published in 2005, long before Jared had any expectation of being a White House anything. Kushner met Ivanka Trump in 2005 and married her in 2009.
Jared's daddy, Charles Kushner, donated $2.5 million to Harvard.
Jared and his brother Joshua were not considered to be Harvard material by their high school administrators.
Some schools described in the book take a considerable number of entrants who are legacies (relatives of grads of that school). Several of the Ivys do that (Harvard, Yale). Some schools described in the book admit very few legacies,but rather admit students on merit, such as the one I attended, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech}.
3
Jared was only one deeper voice note away from pulling the whole caper off. His ego got the best of him when he decided to make a public statement after he was questioned by a senate committee. He was like a character in a cartoon and when I heard his voice I couldn't help but thinking .... that's all folks!
7
Will boy wonder Jared Kushner take the fall for his Daddy in-law? The question is, as far as illicit activities go, who was giving the orders, Trump to Kushner, or Kushner to Trump?
9
The whole Trump team never expected to be in the White House. All the election antics were just play. They knew they had no chance to win too. And then they won. Now what?
7
Sounds like the movie "The Candidate" with Robert Redford. The reality seems to be copying improbable, satirical fiction. At least "The Candidate" ends.
2
The big question is, as authorities get closer to nailing Trump, will he throw a family member under the bus?
9
There will be a whole bunch of people under that bus. Most will deserve it.
Donald John Trump will go down in history as worse than Richard Milhous Nixon, Warren Gamaliel Harding and Ulysses S. Grant (all Republicans, in case you missed that memo), combined, when it comes down to corruption and incompetence. The Watergate, Teapot Dome and Credit Mobilier scandals will be viewed as misdemeanors as compared to the multiple scandals that will be associated with Trump.
Donald John Trump will also give the term "Potemkin Village" a whole new meaning, since the facade is an illusion in addition to the fact that there is absolutely no substance behind it.
4
He is busy with figuring out a plan for peace in the Middle East of course!
7
He couldn't find those countries on a map if his life depended on it.
11
Surely the most potent argument against Trump's daughter and son-in-law having any meaningful role in the presidential administration at the White House is that nepotism is an unacceptable form of familial patronage. It was still wrong when President Kennedy appointed his brother Attorney-General. It will always be wrong.
Nepotism is nothing other than a form of corruption.
9
JFK appointing his brother to Attorney General is what got him killed.
3
That comment in the 1st/2nd para indicate gross contempt. Kushner will no doubt regret at some point as he is handcuffed and taken by the Fed's out the side door of the court to incarceration. For millions of us, Kushner like Trump symbolize the greed, corruption and hubris which feeds "scabs" like these two horrific examples of Americans.
What makes many of us bewildered is the fact Kelly and HR have lived their lives under the premise of duty, honor..country, yet they come when called by a pathetic moronic (according to Tillerson) to do his bidding. They may think their books one day will exonerate their respective actions...I doubt it that the American people will separate Trump from....Kelly or McMaster.
10
Yawn.
I think I’ll unsubscribe. Palace intrigue is about as interesting as a Nazi grocery shopping. Report some real news.
6
Hahaha: the incredible shrinking Boy Wonder.
11
The utter lack of qualification and accomplishment of said Jared Kushner, in both business and politics, is absurd. His moniker as 'senior adviser' to the President is emblematic of how farcical this political era has become. Please, Jared and Ivanka, go back to NY.
17
I'm still trying to figure out exactly just what Jared Kushner's accomplishment has been other than marrying Ivanka Trump to qualify him as the world diplomatic trouble shooter.
22
When you're born with a silver spoon in your mouth, sometimes you're gonna choke.
23
The Trump dynasty (ok I exaggerate but you know what I mean) is failing and the day of reckoning is coming. History shows us that distancing or attempting to distance family members who have been caught up in the craziness of the dictator is the first step taken to afford protection. Mostly it doesn't work. Essentially Kushner is heading into exile. By the way has anyone seen Don Jnr recently. Even with both feet firmly in his mouth he has managed to run away.
21
Jared Kushner has learned to be a parasite of society and con master as is his father whom is in jail and from his con artist father in law. No need to say more about his incompetence. His father bought him his degrees. What else do you expect. Follow up the business and failures and in all of them it is a con link
23
I gotta ask. Do the Deplorables even like Kushner?
31
If Kelly doesn't get fired for something, Jared's role can be refined to his rightful place in the WH---as a Sunday visitor bringing the kids over for dinner.
15
If The White House is OUR house, I’m sending Orkin to spray and set traps. Send me the bill.
40
Gaah. I don't think there's a category to which I belong where these people are not an embarrassment. What a Shanda, as we say in Yiddish.
How dearly I wish JarVanka read the NY Times, especially the Comments. It would show them how unequivocally they've been rejected by New Yorkers, regardless of how many Met Galas they've paraded around.
I'm embarrassed, as well, that the Ivy League that I got into fair and square is still so disgracefully for sale, though I must admit that most 'legacies' in my day were harmless, overdressed dullards paying for the libraries and research facilities treasured by us Pell grantees.
Jared: Please, please stop trying to build a Potemkin village in the White House and slither away to some shallow nouveau riche bastion, where hopefully you'll have time to reflect on ethics, mitzvot, and meritocracy.
When will we wake from this national nightmare and reclaim our country before it reverses 50 years of progress?
43
It's not clear to me how much of this article is straight news and how much is supposition or even opinion, but it is obvious that
* Jared and Ivanka have no qualification for their position, and have made disastrous mistakes -- Jared was involved in bringing Manafort onboard, ditto Flynn, and was the primary advocate for firing James Comey. That was really, dumb ... and may end up with him in jail for obstruction of justice.
* With Flynn apparently trying to turn state's evidence. and Manafort, Gates and Papadopolis indicted, Jared looks to be in deep, deep doodoo. His financial problems in NYC are severe, and there are swirling rumors of tax evasion, money laundering and fraud.
Trump needs to keep Jared in the Whitehouse for the protection that this offers the both of them. But Trump needs to end Jared's involvement in anything that could increase his vulnerability. This is why Jared is running "American Innovation" and "Peace for Israel." Trump could add contact with with the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy to Jared's portfolio too.
18
We love what he is doing in service of our nation.
1
Looks like the softball "duties shrink" story in NYT & WaPo won't distract for long. This just in. http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Mueller-opens-probe-of-Kushner-515202
4
He's a crook and a liar just like his father in law and never had any skills worthy of even walking in the White House door. Get him out of there and cancel his security clearances. He is also a traitor
19
For for one person with zero government experience to be involved in so many high priority ventures in a newly created office of nothing, rather than using the talent at existing government agencies, is a set-up for failure. This was one of the more depressing articles I've recently read.
13
Kushner has never been a public servant so he doesn't feel the responsibility or obligations of one.
21
job experience? same as trump.. money from dad.. the sooner he and
ivanka are gone the better.. two entitled children born with a silver
spoon in their mouth’s.. but i forgot he’s going to bring peace to the
middle east.. what a joke..
28
I am concerned that he has any access to power in either the White House or in any other part of our government, making decisions and alliances that we all have to live with although very little is made public about his meetings and/or policies he is promoting. Altho there are still discrepancies in his application for security clearances, he has not been downgraded. If this level of suspicion or allegations were against a top level executive in a corporation, he would, at the very least, be put on some kid of administrative leave. The lack of transparency and the questionable honesty of this top level person is disturbing, and to my perspective, VERY dangerous!
21
Nepotism is not a formula for effective governance.
15
Mercifully, the time until the next presidential election begins with a 2. Just 2 years and 11 months to go. Unless Santa delivers well-deserved indictments.
22
Kushner will still be richer than anyone we know at the end of this road. Trumpsself centered kids includes his son in law. They are disconnected from reality. Like Trump they share no empathy, no human kindness nothing to be admired for. Rich kids without a moral compass. Money money money is their mantra without a thought to the crumbling planet,
our allies or country. They can never be fine people. Money, possessions and gold doesn’t make one fine. That’s a state of balance. Their children will be crazy too of course.
Kelly is now just part of the fold. He’s lost credibility and the respect of American except for his prior service which is big.
13
Why aren’t Manafort, Papadopolous, Flynn and the other co-conspirators in jail, with sky-high bonds to move this process along quicker? They’re an imminent danger to the U.S. and flight risks. They shouldn’t have the comforts of home after their brief FBI meetings. They should be returned to their cells. And it would give both them and their fellow traitors something to think about as to their futures. Remember the concept of “deterrence?” Our Country is being gutted from the inside, and we’re playing “nice.” It’s disgusting.
24
Kushner was never a danger to us but to other people around the world. His illegal connections with businesses who work with dictators has expanded. Everywhere he has gone on our dime he has made deals that this country cannot afford to make. Saudi Arabia is on the loose, they are starving people in Yemen. Russia has continued to their cyberattacks on us. He may be under the radar but not without support from his masters, the Pretend King Trump and GOP. The money is flowing and it will not stop until they entrench their supporters in places where they can make as much money as possible. Kelly is the danger to us, a general without a country (his country is only white). Kelly now sees his opportunity to bring about his version of what this country should be. The military has wanted revenge since Bush halted the Persian Gulf victory and now they are that much closer to power.
10
I Don't wish to say "I told you so" yet from the start I predicted the ambitious Kushner will hardly last too long. I also doubt he may be able to achieve peace in the Middle East as the President hopes, not that he cares a lot for the region as much as likes to succeed because previous attempts failed. I also predict not too many will remain in the President's office unless they acquiesce to his unreasonable demands even if they may benefit this country.
5
This administration is clueless in every respect. The entire country knows that they’re clueless. They know that we know that they’re clueless, maybe. But they don’t care. They’ve never had to care @ anything. Except self-interest. The worst, worst, worst possible examples of Americans.
25
You could do worse. The Israeli situation was completely ignored for 8 years of the last administration allowing a complete breakdown of negotiations .Instead of throwing gasoline on the explosion in the middle east or complete neglect as the last 8 years gave US ISIS has become extremely more isolated. Kushners communication with russian entities is not even a minute fraction of what the last secretary of state was involved in.
Nonsense. How about facts instead of innuendo?
The last Secretary of State was John Kerry, btw.
13
Last Sec. of State? John Kerry? Please illuminate us.
9
Huh? What are you implying about John Kerry? I know he wasn’t involved in any illegal activities. He was/ is an honorable moral human being. As far as the Middle East is concerned Netanyahu is a monster.
9
If three of Trump's advisors had discussed Kushner's leaving the West Wing with Kelly and Kelly denies it, then wouldn't Kelly get rid of them, instead of Kushner? Or is Kelly planning on saying that Kushner never really had a role and you can't get rid of somebody who never really existed. It's so Orwellian. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! Forget about where we are, is Kansas even in Kansas anymore!
7
Imagine you work in a factory. Your job is to put one expensive, but not really necessary part in a machine (like an overload switch). Every fifth machine you pocket the part to sell it and instead install a cheap dummy (copper wire). No one will ever notice.
Driving home you take a few shortcuts, going against one-way streets. No one will ever notice.
At home you beat your wife and children. No one will ever notice.
You now have three secrets to keep. What happens if you have to keep a fourth, fifth, sixth secret? Can you juggle them all? Without ever letting go of the truth?
So, if the cops stop you for going the wrong way, is it possible that you tell them "...yeah, but I'm in a hurry, I have to get back to my wife and kids, to give them a really good beating... oops..."?
That is where Jared Kushner lives today. He's in soooo deep over his head he can't see sunlight anymore. There is no way out for him, he knows full well he's going to end up in front of a committee or even a judge.
So this is the ideal time to reduce ones "duties" and "visibility", so that one can concentrate on telling the lies that really matter...
16
A criminal family produces an arrogant son to work with the most ignorant President, perhaps in history. Along with the complicit debutante, the damage they do will be profound.
36
kelly is still there, no difference between any of them.
8
Did Kush or his PR agency place this story along with WaPo's? Reads kind of similar to previous spun narratives: "Manafort wasn't important...just a volunteer who didn't do much." "Flynn? He had a small role, really and didn't stick around for very long." "Papadapoulos? A nobody, never heard of him." This story reads as if Kush is trying to convince the court of public opinion that he was only a bit player in advance of some impending real news, perhaps in the next week. Maybe it's just me, but I think the Gray Lady and WaPo were played.
11
Exactly. I'm having to dig through longer and longer puffy leads to get to the journalism. Gray Lady, get a grip on yourself. We need you now more than ever to give the information for which your readership is starving.
I resent having to endure 5 minutes of spin and PR to find oblique hints of what we all can feel is happening in that soiled White House.
6
Am so pleased to hear that Jared's duties have been re-channelled It really is time for the high-school yearbook staff to go.
11
Does anyone here have a nice word to say about Jared? Will not even his rich social friends in NYC have something good to say or some anecdote about him that would show him in a favorable light? The guy graduated from Harvard and has run a wealthy real estate development company in the City. He can't be too stupid, can he?
Jared may be another example of someone losing their reputation after going into public service. Particularly if that service is to a President so thoroughly disliked by the very people who populated Jared's social group. And we wonder why good people are so reluctant to enter politics or join an unpopular administration.
4
His daddy bought his way into Harvard. He inherited his real estate empire from his daddy (a convicted felon), and he has proceeded to run it into the ground (the 666 building).
Yes, he can be that stupid.
16
Wait. Kushner's father paid a large amount of money to get his son into Harvard. You know, affirmative action for the wealthy. Oh, and Daddy went to prison for a felony conviction. And, oh, Jared's "deal" at 666 Fifth Avenue is falling apart because he is not the brightest bulb in the bunch.
18
"The guy graduated from Harvard and has run a wealthy real estate development company in the City. He can't be too stupid, can he?... And we wonder why good people are so reluctant to enter politics or join an unpopular administration."
Ah, yes, the ol' "if he's rich, then he must be smart" fallacy. You can read about how Kushner got into Harvard here: https://www.propublica.org/article/the-story-behind-jared-kushners-curio...
7
This article confuses me; while I understand you have sources that may contradict, it seems to me he appears to be still involved enough to not suggest he'll slither out anytime soon.
3
More failure brought to you by the deconstruction of the administrative state.
13
Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are real estate developers picked by Daddy to run policy in the White House. They act like the privileged snobs they are, they aren't very smart, lie repeatedly, do not have the background credentials to run anything other than a real estate office -- and Kushner doesn't even seem too good at that. Republicans embrace them because party overrules country. If we survive the reality tv star and his grifter family this will be looked upon as the most disgusting and demoralizing political age of our country.
26
Yup most discouraging characters doing destruction
4
"...Office of American Innovation, run by Mr. Kushner, had demonstrated its value, noting that he had recently sent some members of its team to Puerto Rico to report back on conditions on the hurricane-ravaged island."
And they reported back, what!?! Lots of damage? How's that working out?
22
In the real world, two neophytes named Jared and Ivanka would never have been considered for high level positions in the White House. A "jack of all trades" is master of none such as Mr. Kushner. Rather on focusing on the Middle East peace and whatever suits his fancy, Mr. Kushner should begin focusing on the Muller inquiry into his Russian ties. Ivanka should not get a free pass because as her daddy's advisor she right in the mix. Go for it Mr. Mueller.
14
Mueller seems as familiar with Shakespeare as he is with the law.
Mueller forces his targets to make choices , sacrifices, to protect the people they love. The mistake is to think that Trump loves anyone other than himself. This may be part of the Trump DNA and holds true for his kids as well.
Mueller has the goods on Kushner. Kushner is so stupid he may not have realized it yet but his father Charles has. Charles has first hand experience with the fusion of family dysfunction and financial corruption.
If Kushner flips and provides the goods on Trump, Kushner might lose Ivanka and the kids. If he doesn't flip, he will go to jail and might lose Ivanka and the kids.
Ivanka's comments about Roy Moore reflect her commitment to her own "brand" apart from her father and one must believe her own soon to be indicted husband.
If I was Kushner, I would be designing an exit strategy as it concerns the entire Trump family.
12
Hey, kids, remember that fun time when we learned that young feckless Jared wanted to establish a secret back channel to Moscow via the Russian Consulate in NYC? I know I certainly do. Young Kushner has issues -- all these young adults, hanging on to Big Daddy like the parasites they are, have major issues. To include the deplorable Flynn Jr. The good news is that the lot of them have exactly zero game and we're now well into Act II of this tragi-comedy.
The exchange between Kushner and Priebus is good to learn of -- many thanks to the reporters.
18
The only good thing about the appointments of Jared and Ivanka is that they’ll do less harm than some of the Cabinet folks, eg, Perry, DeVos, Carson, et al.
7
Personally I trust the unnamed WH sources, over Kelly's words. He lost all credibility with his comments and lack of apology, re; the Gold Star widow, and the Rep. Wilson.
Ivanka gone by spring 2018. Jared as soon as he's indicted.
20
Jared Kushner's actual mission is "Middle East piece" - as in getting a piece of the action from the Saudi Prince for the Trump family office.
34
Using endless skill and charm, perhaps Kushner will run for office. Anyone can, not pointing to the Orange Man alone. Kushner might have nothing better. When he creates Middle East peace, he can wear garb of any country. General Kelly, if he learns to take direction, can provide secure four-star assistance. But, “helpful implementing the agenda the American people voted?” Chaos, disorder? Land of fully-employed factory workers complaining about China and India; contemplating the GOP as problem-solvers? Houston, we have a problem.
3
Perhaps he's hiding in the Thanksgiving clamshell
11
It does not matter if Kushner is smart, competent, or not! The optics are so bad and multifaceted that trust has been obliterated and this entire family will never be able to crawl out of the dark place they have created.
13
Well, they all started with a felon for a patriarch, so. . .
5
Turning the White House into the family business was a poor idea. Having the executive office reliant on generals is a poor idea. Spending so much time on golf would be a good idea if he would just do that, but he won't. Tweeting his every partial thought is a terrible idea.
This White House has had a preponderance of unfit characters walking its halls and is nothing like what Mr. Trump promised would happen.
20
The "preponderance of unfit characters" may not be what he promised, but over 65,000,000 voters are not the least bit surprised.
10
In the convoluted name of "making America great again", a substantial group of voters decided to put a group of people with absolutely no governing or diplomatic experience in charge of running a huge government. Along with no experience, they have no interest in learning from their predecessors. Their only goals seem to be; get richer, be on TV a lot, and oh yeah, overthrow the American government. What could go wrong?
16
62,979,879 deplorables with a faulty electoral college did this this. Question is, now what?
4
It if is not for trump, Kushner is not qualified to be hired to bag your groceries let alone in charge of running federal and state governments.
16
I believe this what you'd call a soft exit. Personalities drift into the background. Responsibilities are quietly reduced until there is nothing left to do. A few vague references expressing a desire to leave. The pay checks keep coming until a proper moment. The right news cycle arrives and the Kushner family is suddenly vanished to their various legal debacles.
The strategy might almost work except Mueller already has their number. Kushner's pending indictment is blackmail against the Trump administration. Mueller knows how to catch a criminal by using a criminal. There's a reason democratic nations disfavor nepotism. The reverse of nepotism is ransom. I guess they don't teach the right political strategy courses at Harvard.
Muller can hold Kushner and Trump Jr. as pocket aces until the political climate turns more favorable. This easily persists through 2018. If Trump gets aggressive, say hello to Mr. Mueller's boom stick. Imagine what a Trump/Kushner document subpoena would look like. I can't imagine anyone in the family under oath.
The White House isn't going to normalize. Trump's troubles are only beginning.
18
Gen. Kelly has done Mr. Kushner a favor by moving him out of the line of sight. Mr. Kushner is way out of his depth in that job and the more visible he is the more apparent is his lack of insight, knowledge and anything to do with how government runs. Enough that the president lacks those traits also.
5
One thing Gen Kelly ought truly to be good at is sorting the men from the boys. What happens, though, when you do that and all the whole crew turns out to be boys?
4
Anything enumerated 666 is doomed to absolute failure, 1.8 billion in debt is a drop in the bucket compared to where it should be. Maybe the kid does know a little about what he’s doing.
1
"Other initiatives backed by Mr. Kushner have proved more fruitful. Congress appears to be on the verge of creating a $500 million fund to help agencies modernize outdated information technology systems, some of which are at least 40 years old."
Great...but how's it being paid for? Where is the money coming from...as we see cuts in tax revenues coming compounded by a deficit increase. ?? And no new means to lower health insurance costs. $500 mill...might go a long way to help that.
Congress is good at this stuff, not so much implementation. Plus, I'm certain that the vetting process for those outside firms necessary to do the upgrades, will be gamed, and some scandal will result. Or if its an inside job, that is a guaranteed fumble. (Govt notoriously not good at tech upgrades.)
I won't be holding my breath on the ME peace thang. Expecting the "who knew it would be so hard!?" to come out in the New Year.
Never expected much real output from the Kiddie Consulting initiative.
5
Just waiting for the laugh-line that Jared is quitting to "spend more time with his family." I do think that he will be spending more time with his lawyers soon.
30
Maybe "spending more time with his family" means spending more time with Ivanka- - in their lawyers' offices and in Mueller's.
5
Or, Betsy, "spending more time", while "doing time" in the same federal prison cell block with his father-in-law and other political mafioso in the Oval Office criminal enterprise for years to come!
6
None of this is really that big of an issue. Almost all of them rely on family members as advisers. Lincoln gave access to his son Robert. FDR had Eleanor. Eisenhower had his son John. JFK gave an a high ranking cabinet post to RFK. Reagan had Nancy. Bush 41 had Bush 43. Clinton had Hillary.
Now that the Trump Presidency is fully transitioned into what appears to be "full swing," it may well be time fore the trusted family members to begin to disappear from the scene through natural attrition and/or regular political evolution. There doesn't have to be a major conspiracy in play or a dastardly plot to ruin life as we know it.
For the liberals who insisted that everyone accept every moment of the Obama Administration as positive, long-choreographed maneuvering from a little appreciated genius, I find it thoroughly ridiculous that they fret over every single second of the Trump presidency. Yes. Trump is a political novice and has often been his own worst enemy. ...But he isn't the worst president in history, and (news flash...) Obama wasn't the greatest.
The best we can hope for from most of these guys is that they will go down in history as middle-of-the-road presidencies - ranking right up there with Calvin Coolidge, Millard Fillmore, Martin Van Buren, and William Howard Taft. ...And, before you declare which of them will fall where on the list, let me remind you that it will be at least 50 years before we have enough perspective to make an objective judgement.
Move on.
2
Actually Trump is the worst President in U.S. history. You really need to pay more attention.
12
Agreed, this whole group of con artists will soon “move on” - to jail
4
Why is it that you seem to know and understand less about your country than another American I know who lives a few thousand miles away? Talk about rose colored glasses!
No, you will certainly not have to wait half of a decade for history to have come to its conclusions.
In my opinion you will start getting some serious feedback regarding the current office holder's status before mid-term.
7
Kelly is tasked with making things look better, not actually be better.
Jared will continue to aid the Saudi's, work with the Russians and empower himself -- he'll just be a little less noticeable.
25
Portfolios are funny things; they grow and shrink at will --
You start out with a big one up upon the gaudy Hill;
But then another rival comes along to take your place,
And your immense portfolio begins a slide from grace.
If ever a portfolio on merit does depend,
Twould be a rarer thing than any ton of rich pitchblende.
5
Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel is a long time close friend of the Kushner family. Jared is, among other things, Bibi's man in the West Wing. I don't think he's going anywhere
17
Kushner is not the brightest bulb in the pack. Trump has tried to make the guy employable to no avail.
17
Kushner will likely follow in his convicted felon father's footsteps.
Can you imagine the outrage if a Democratic President had given his son-in-law a Minister of "Whatever you want son" portfolio like this Accidental President has with Kushner?
40
One person is worse than another.
9
Kushner obviously colluded with Israelis. He is a supporter of Israel's war crimes in the region. Kushner guaranteed Netanyahu's support for Trump and Florida became the Trump's key success in the election.
Trump as a man of no principle would do whatever needed for him remain in power. He has no respect for the US law, the Constitution, and human rights. Trump's approach to the US allies like, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, an d the way he deals with US adversaries like Russia, and N. Korea prove he doesn't care about the US interests.
25
How many days is this going to run?
2
Hare Psychopath Checklist. A person cannot evaluate themselves.
Evaluate Trump
"On each criterion, the subject is ranked on a 3-point scale: (0 = item does not apply, 1 = item applies somewhat, 2 = item definitely applies). The scores are summed to create a rank of zero to 40. Anyone who scores 30 and above is probably a psycho."
These are the 20 criteria:
- Exhibits fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow superficial charm
- Has a grandiose (exaggeratedly high) estimation of self
- Has a constant need for stimulation
- Compulsive liar
- Cunning and manipulative
- Lacks remorse or guilt
- Has shallow, short lived emotional responses
- Insensitive and cruel disregard for others, lacking empathy
- Intentional, manipulative, selfish, and exploitative financial dependence on others as reflected in a lack of motivation, low self-discipline, and inability to begin or complete responsibilities
- Poor behavioral controls
- Sexually promiscuous
- Displayed early behavior problems
- Lack realistic long-term goals, no sense how actions carry out into future.
- Poor impulse control, can’t resist temptation
- Irresponsible
- Fails to accept responsibility for own actions
- Have had many short-term marital relationships
- Have a history of juvenile delinquency
-Released from an accused or convict from custody or imprisonment, under conditions which bar him or her from certain activities or associations.
- Takes great pride with getting away with a crime
21
...Which is nearly identical to THE living legend of the Democratic Party of the last 50 years... William Jefferson Clinton.
...And all but those involving sexual promiscuity were also exhibited by Barack Obama, whom you (no doubt) consider to be a candidate for sainthood.
2
"Saint Barack"--I love it. We know he isn't a saint, but compared to Trump . . .
5
LOL @ Ed. Absurd. You guys are really getting desperate, eh?
4
Think about this:
If Jared and Ivanka has not been born with diamond encrusted, platinum spoons in their mouths, he could be selling timeshares in Florida and she would be behind the make-up counter at a department store. Yet, they are now two of the most trusted advisors of the know-nothing lunatic in chief.
45
Their most important job in "advising" him is to try to make him appear LESS of a homophobe, LESS of a xenophobe, LESS of a misogynist, LESS of a racist, and LESS of a world-class(less) bully.
5
Mr. Kelly said "the Office of American Innovation, run by Mr. Kushner, had demonstrated its value, noting that he had recently sent some members of its team to Puerto Rico to report back on conditions on the hurricane-ravaged island."
LOL! If that is what counts as achievement in this administration, call my travel agent!
27
Ain't it comforting to know that no-nothing Kushner is slowly being pushed out of the way by almost-as-bad-a-no-nothing as, the Civil War revisionist, Kelly.
Scary to think that so many liberals are comforted by the General being the guardian of a supposed civilian-controlled military.
Shame so many never took a few high school courses in civics.
10
Civics courses have not been offered in most public schools in the US in 40 years. And the powers that be like it that way.
4
I think we liberals were hoping hard that whatever discipline Gen Kelly could impose would be a positive thing, even if having a retired general so close to the Oval Office is also scary. We've been faced with a lot of "bad or worse" scenarios since Nov 8, 2016.
3
When you consider that Kushner is in a world of debt - 1.2 billion for 666 5th Ave. - are his overtures to the Russians or Saudis really such a mystery? Trump's tax returns aren't the only ones that need to be investigated - Kushner's are likely to be equally informative, and I think he will ultimately be weakest link in the chain that binds them all.
36
Jared Kushner: Visualize Whirled Peas.
11
Office of Innovation--even in DC culture the name is vague and euphemistic. Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump bring no relevant experience to the White House, other than a mission of self-service. If HRC had won, I'd feel the same way about Chelsea Clinton and her husband moving in next door to the Oval Office. We have enough of an oligarchy as it is.
19
Nepotism pure and simple.
Its not about years of aquired expertise or experience in government, international diplomacy, economics, international law etc.
What I cant understand is why Jared and /or Ivanka, if they are so brilliant dont they dont recognise this themselves and resign.
20
Seeriously? Because their loyalty is to the hand that feeds them!
Which profession has the most psychopaths? The answer is: CEOs.
Yup, studies show there are a disproportionate number of psychopaths in corporate America. (In fact, some psychopathic traits are more common in CEO’s than in mentally disturbed criminals.)
In 2005, Belinda Board and Katrina Fritzon of the University Surrey conducted a survey to find out precisely what it was that made business leaders tick. They did a comparison between business managers, psychiatric patients and hospitalized, psychiatric criminals. There were more psychopathic attributes found in business leaders than in the other two groups.
How can this be?
Companies offer money, power, status and control — things any psychopath, white collar or not, is drawn to.
So, a CEO was voted into office that put CEOs into his administration!
7
Kushner, the wonder boy, has turned out to be a flash in the pan. His purported intellectual prowess is in reality comparable to his father in law, the president. To assess their capabilities, one need only look back one year. In other words, we have a situation where the blind are leading the blind. Kushner may well end up in jail, where he evidently belongs.
18
Now, the evil minds in this evil institution are enjoying their achievements; Make American President Zombie At Any Cost. The President who had been elected by the most desperate supporters in history needed the most help from the wisest advisors for any glimpse of success. Outright failure is the most likely outcome in such conditions. I am worried how long he can last and what will follow next.
5
"The innovation office is providing political cover and “a push from the top. But at the end of the day, what the White House does doesn’t matter if it doesn’t get implemented at the agencies where the real action takes place.”
This is classic Trumpism: shouting about the great results they're getting, rather than getting them. Look, we’re sitting down with business leaders – important business leaders! – and talking about new computers, we even asked Congress for money!
The infrastructure plan! Secret plans to end the war! Healthcare like you wouldn’t believe!
And at the end of the day, no computers, no infrastructure, no peace, no healthcare.
It’s weird, I wonder if this kind of overpromising and under delivering has any precedent in Trump’s (and Kushner's) first career?
"Oh, these condos will be the best you’ve ever seen. The tallest buildings, best of everything. Marble countertops, are you kidding me? Marble everything. And gold, you won’t believe it."
No, I don’t believe it.
14
In the words of the great "philosopher" Dirty Harry: "A man has to know his limitations"......this couldn't be more true for Jared or Donald. Despite our society's "you can do it" ethos, most of us learn what are the limits of our skill sets.
14
Deplorable, yes; criminal, yes; but we fool ourselves in thinking these people are going to pay the price for any of it. They'll be held accountable, yes, but not by the law, only by those of us with at least a half working moral compass. We've been here before: a Republican president born with a silver spoon in his mouth, in office by a minority of voters, who fabricated evidence to invade and decimate another country, killing hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, thousands of Americans and wreaking havoc in the region, an administration and its cronies who engaged in war profiteering and all sorts of illegal and immoral activities. Yet, when Democrats took the majority in congress, when the White House went back to the Democrats, we got: "let's put it all behind us and move forward." And this is what we moved forward to.
I pray I'm wrong.
12
What is left for Jared? the middle east crisis, because he is so well qualified for that. So while the State Department is gutted of career diplomats, Trump states “Jared is working very hard on peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and the last thing I would ever do is get in the way of that possibility.” This entire administration is a farce. The only thing Trumps family is doing is seeing if they can get accumulate more figurative "shoes" than Imelda Marcos. It's time to reveal all the family finances and get Gtmo ready for a family compound.
13
I can't say whether Jared really is declined in status, insightful, arrogant, rude, well intentioned, tactical, naive, constructive and nostalgic for the elite social life, as this article states. I agree that it takes much less imagination to study a problem than actually to solve it, and working in Washington can hurt your party schedule.
He may have misjudged Mueller's scope and reach, but now that he has a much better idea about that, Jared is probably neither seen nor heard for legal reasons as well.
9
You'd think, given Jarad's ensuing difficulties with Mr. Mueller's investigation, he'd be going the full monty for prison reform.
11
The government should be more concerned about the effects from social media in moral aspects. If possible, even Mr. Kushner, while still visible, or anyone holding a power in the White House, must establish a new governmental office to monitor on-going situations on social media. A series of casual clicks seem to make very undesirable or unpleasant images appear in front of users who certainly are in shock by what they unwillingly are seeing. Of course, such stunned users will close the unwilling sites, immediately. However, their OS-s retain the clicks in data. Hackers may be working for particular purposes as paid. But, for what purposes?
On a monetary level: 1) Users may be willing to pay (to whom?) to prevent such images from appearing. 2) A blackmailing-pyramid scheme, in this way, can be enlarged.
On a cyber harassment level: Any wicked soul can hire hackers for the effects on a screen of the chosen subject. The motivations would be envy, vengeance,
or anything grown in distorted minds.
On a tactical level: Morally, practically, a chosen target, who is a competitor for a position for example, will be plotted in a malicious frame, without which the distorted cannot gain the desired position when evaluated fairly.
In fact, my criticism onto the social media may make me a targeted subject. Here, my question is, if such is true and possible, whether or not the acts are mostly humans'. If that is AI, the government has to take actions without delay, right now.
After the first year, they will drift back to NY and say they never said they would be there for the whole 2 years of his presidency.
The fact that the responsibilities he was given would take more than one year will be brushed aside.
10
And some people question the concept of privilege.
So outrageous that Congress is allowing this to continue.
Where are the outcries from Democrats?
12
This might be one of those cases where the smart thing to do is to give these grifters enough rope to hang themselves. Just stand back and watch. There is no good reason for the Democrats to engage with this banana republic farce of an Administration. There are a lot of qualified professionals in D.C. None of them have joined this Administration. Kelly looked as if he might be one of them until he made that bizarre statement about the Civil war and the need to compromise with slaveholders.
1
The investigation is encircling Kushner but the moment he is indicted he will be pardoned, and that will be approved by Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. Then nobody will be able to escape the fact that our government is currently run by enemies of the people (and allies only of themselves).
9
Trump can't pardon state convictions.
Trump assigned Kushner so many tasks, no one could succeed at them, and in addition, they were all individually tasks at which Kushner was bound to fail. Thus Trump wins. Consider the anti-Semitic re-tweets which Trump engages in. There are some self-defeating revenge politics going on with Trump's assignments for Kushner. Trump intended him to fail.
1
Apparently DT ascribes to the philosophy that nepotism is okay, that is as long as you keep it in the family.
4
In 50 years, if Trump were to have a presidential library with materials preserved, Kushner’s presence would be a fascinating study for organizational theorists. The framework of “exit, voice, and loyalty,” will be inadequate to explain decision making in Trump’s administration. The rational man, rational bureaucracy, turf warfare, and other theories will also be inadequate.
The reason past models will fail to explain Trump’s administration is the presence of a new variable never seen in any previous administration. That variable is pervasive criminality and the lack of any modicum of political ethics.
Kushner’s continued presence is contingent upon Trump’s primary goal is to hide the truth to escape criminal liability.
6
Trump's presidential library? Oxymoron, but stocked with old copies of Playboy and Hustler.
3
If there is an upside to this bizarre situation, it is that our past presidents did not come up in the electronic age, and do not seem to understand the precedence technology and cyberwar begin to take over massive land war machines.
But what can happen when the ship of state is un unmanned ghost boat?
Trump simply relies on a few friends as skeleton crew to navigate the globe. He does not know how to recruit or discover talent. So much for "the best people."
It would appear The Donald learned to say "You're fired," but never "You're hired."
7
Jared Kushner has shown little excellence in skill, judgement or curiosity prior to his White House endeavors. His unscrupulous behavior in real estate dealings sets the standard of his capability. Kushner represents a clear example of an irrelevant distraction of which no good will come. Ivanka by the same token has discipline but narrow in scope as she continues to represent herself in an inappropriate manner in multiple ways. The both could be poster children for high powered "busy work".
7
Why does this guy get to affect the policies of the United States? Aren't there a million people more qualified? How can we allow the president to pick his own relatives, who have no experience in government, over qualified, seasoned administrators? It must be galling to everyone else in government, men like Kelly, who have devoted their lives to public service, who have trained for years, or any elected representative. Nepotism at its worst.
7
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/author/megan-smith
Megan Smith, United States Chief Technology Officer under Obama, would have been superbly qualified for any Office of American Innovation. Her alma mater, MIT, does not grant any admission privileges to would-be legacies, unlike its less meritocratic Ivy League rivals.
1
Kushner, like his father-in-law, is completely unsuited for the roles he has been assigned. If he'd had any sense of self preservation he would have told Ivanka he'd rather stay in NY with her. Now he and she are part of the mess Trump has created. I hope they enjoy their notoriety.
15
The Con Don will have nothing but Robber Baron brethren and stooges around him as he tries to destroy OUR lives.
Mr. Kelly isn't going to "save" anything. He is a military man and will do what he is ordered to do.
WE THE PEOPLE are the only ones who are going to stop him until Investigator Mueller takes them all down.
41
The only other country in the Western democracies where it is even possible for "someone" to become a close, official and powerful advisor to the President is France. Of course, there it would be absolutely unacceptable for such an advisor to be either a close relative of the President and/or bereft of any previous experience regarding that for which he or she would provide advice (and even more so if that advisor would be supposed to RUN something).
It is yet another example of just of peculiar the American system actually is. Now, in the past there have been people who were invited to advise the President, but in those cases these were almost always actually individuals who conformed to the French model. It is easy, and maybe even thankful, to point at the Kushner saga as yet another example of the egregiousness of the Trump court, but what we're finding is that too often this is merely the exploitation of the vast gaps that exist between the expected comportment of a President and the actual and formal prescriptions.
It is, come to think of it, just as peculiar that it proves to be the White House Chief of Staff who lays down the line and manages this. In Mr. Kushner's case, the tasks with which he has allegedly been entrusted all clearly fall within the purview of one government agency or other. And even if there may be an overlap, addressing it in this manner is sure to provoke havoc.
But maybe that has been the idea all along? In Moscow someone is smiling.
22
You seem to have forgotten one Hillary Clinton, neither elected nor appointed to any govt job in 1992, who got to play with the entire US healthcare system and then continue as defacto co-President for 8 yrs.
2
In Moscow, more than one someone is smiling.
1
Nepotism never works out well, especially when competence is an important factor in the success of the position. Jared Kushner has never proven himself to be competent at anything other than bad acting and avoiding the truth.
28
Kushner is representative of every man who marries a woman with a powerful father. Much as Jared expects to be treated as though he earned his position through merit, the world knows he would never have had the opportunities he has, except for his wife. Men like him, who owe their positions to their wives, share many of the same attributes. Arrogance and hubris are their strongest character traits, and defensiveness is their fallback position. If it were not for Ivanka, no one would even know Jared exists.
33
Maybe even moreso since he has to overcome the burden of having a felon for a father.
1
What I'm really worried about is that before anyone can get rid of either of them, Kushner and Trump will follow their real-estate business model: lose billions of dollars, default on the loans, and declare bankruptcy... only this time it will be the US Government, and, say hello to the New Great Depression.
31
I am a huge fan of Jared Kushner; he is one of the rising stars in American politics and business. In Mr. Kushner, I see leadership and intellect, the qualities America needs. I hope that General Kelly recognizes this and allows Mr. Kushner to apply these skills. Thank you
4
Shining star, leadership, intellect...seriously? Based on what accomplishments?
5
If you could give one example of his intellect or leadership as manifest in his business or political life you would do so, but it is obvious to an educated person that he has neither quality.
5
You would see leadership and intellect in a turnip if it had the word "Republican" next to it.
12
Mueller is working his way to the top. The final flip will be Jared’s.
22
Amateur hour, from top to bottom. I still remember the moment I first heard Kushner actually speak. This man, given unprecedented responsibility in the Republic of Trump, sounds like a fourteen year old boy on the cusp of discovering girls. That alone does not disqualify the heir apparent of our most Malevolent Ruler, but it certainly is not a command voice one would follow into any kind of battle. Arrogance alone does not a leader make, nor does marrying into "the Family." My gut tells me Kushner and company will be doing a lot of growing up during the next 10 to 20.
27
I and many people that have done U.S. Government Standard Form (SF) 86 for security clearance could not have gotten away with Jared Kushner's omissions. Now, there are investigations on Kushner's Meetings and hopefully his intentional omissions will be part of any potential charge sheet.
29
No mention of Jared's legal problems? didn't he lie at least three times on his security application? Didn't he meet with Russian nationals for the purpose of getting dirt on Hillary and helping Donald's campaign? isn't he liable for obstruction of justice charges about his dissembling responses to congressional inquiries?
How can we discuss Jared's future and not mention the looming indictments?
25
Imagine the Republican howls of anger, the condemnation, scrutiny and Fox News hysteria had Hillary won and placed Chelsea and her husband in high White House positions with limitless portfolios. The hypocrisy and downright corruption of Trump and the Republican leaders is sickening.
44
Uhhhh......was already done with Hillary in 92.
1
This actually reads like an Onion article. That this shallow, uninformed, uneducated, rich young man could have any hope of solving the puzzle of peace in the Mideast is absurd and laughable. Laughable until you realize that President Trump takes him seriously, and that a lot of powerful people were also forced to pretend that Kushner is apparently taking himself seriously.
The inmates have taken over the asylum.
38
Maggie Haberman, Sharon LaFraniere and Peter Baker ought to check with their colleague, Thomas Friedman, for an update on the influence of Jared Kushner.
According to Mr. Friedman, the star of Mr. Kushner is in its ascendency. Kushner has been busy planning to reshape Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and the entire Muslim world with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Mr. Friedman seems very enthusiastic that young Crown Prince Salman, known as MBS – presumably with the guidance of Mr. Kushner – will rid Saudi of repressive Wahhabi extremism and will ferret out corruption.
No more veils, head coverings or gender segregation. No more ultra-rich Saudi businessmen taking cuts off the top from oil revenues which belong to the Saudi people. No more demanding and taking large bribes.
MBS was not clear about the multi-million-dollar mosques already built around the world to extend Saudi reach. He also was vague about the Wahhabi madrasas, which teach valuable skills like making bombs and planning big projects like the World Trade Center attack.
We westerners will all benefit from these changes even more than we did from the Neo-Con nation-building in Iraq, which Mr. Friedman also pushed. MBS and Kushner will probably work out the details.
11
This analysis gets to the crux of the matter.
Kushner’s so called portfolio of projects at the White House is mere a smoke screen and cover up for the real workings of his position next to the president.
JK is DTs henchman, roaming the globe to make the next connection. Maneuver like an eel, ready for the kill.
DT saw the ruthlessness of JK in operation in his real estate dealings in New York. And he knew better yet that JK would be loyal. Anything else would prove fateful for the anointed son in law of the presidents favorite child.
The DT White House is run like a kingdom, where power is concentrated on one hand and every person, every affiliated organization, family or otherwise, bows to this power.
JK is just one more operator in the machine, but effectively the door keeper for every aspect of DT wheelings and dealings.
Upheaval in Saudi Arabia one day, and time will tell where we go next. Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.
1
Please enlighten us all as to "all the benefit" we reaped from neo-con nation-building in Iraq! Because to most of the world, Iraq still looks like the biggest snafu in the history of modern geopolitics.
1
Your view of the Iraq adventure, Betsy J. Miller. is exactly the same as mine. I was attempting in my comment to be sarcastic.
Jared Kushner is a perfect symbol for the Trump administration:
There because of nepotism, with no particular qualifications for the random subjects he is dabbling in...
Riddled with conflicts of interest and ethical issues...
And no interest in or clue how to help the ordinary Americans Trump was supposedly elected to represent.
Rarely will you see an administration that combines such shadiness with such incompetence. This guy sums up both.
19
The Trump White House is both a farce and a tragedy. Utterly incompetent and venal, our degenerate president has surrounding himself with clowns, fools, sycophants and worse. Mr. Kelly, widely praised in the press when he first arrived as a no-nonsense tough guy who would impose order on the asylum, has turned out to be as ignorant and morally suspect as Trump himself, finding Robert E. Lee "honorable," and praiseworthy when in fact Lee led white Southerners to war in an attempt to destroy the United States and keep nearly 40 percent of the people in the region enslaved.
As for the smug and superior Ken Doll Kushner, he has lied repeatedly to Congress - why he hasn't been charged with perjury is unfathomable - and spends most of his time not working for the American people but flattering and cajoling Russian oligarchs into giving him money. Dressing Ivanka can get expensive.
This country has never seen an administration as criminal and intellectually debased as this one, and while it seems impossible that it can get any more corrupt, it will. These people are just warming up.
29
Here's why (I think) Little Jared hasn't been charged with perjury (yet): I think Mueller's going to add that to the eventual list of charges again him, or perhaps use it as leverage to get to his dope of a father in law. I think Schiff and other Dems know or suspect this, so they're ok with waiting, and the big Republicans are just glad it hasn't happened yet. In short: I think it's a matter of legal efficiency.
5
So much damage has already been done by Kush & company. It will literally take a minimum of a decade to undo the "immediate" damage. Then there is the long term damage that will likely not be revealed until Rump is impeached and his minions are scrubbed out of office like a bad case of athletes foot.
19
I'm 56 years old and I figure I won't be alive to see this devastation fully remediated, if it ever is, and even if I live to a ripe old age. This abomination of an administration is reflective of the fact that there are 62,979,879 homophobic, xenophobic, misogynistic, racist, greedy, ignorant bullies. Until we vastly reduce THAT number--which has to include major electoral college and redistricting reform--this is what we're going to be dealing with for a long time to come.
4
Had a flat once on the way to court to finish paying the last few dollars of a fine for not having insurance that I couldn't afford. Got there late looking like I had just changed a flat and was promptly jailed overnight. I was the only caucasian in that Southern Illinois courtroom; Everyone else appeared to be of Mexican origin, most there on ticky-tac charges, obviously to pump money into the county. This is the difference between the lives of serial liars and crooks like Trump, Kushner, Conway and company -and the rest of us. How many mulligans do these people get? How disordered does a man's thinking have to be to believe that a boy could actually remake the world we live in? Not even Trump is that clueless. Once Trump won his number one prerogative was for him and his family to grab everything they can before the scam is put to an end.
23
And the 62,979,879 deplorables who voted for him will never, ever admit--even to themselves, and even as they find themselves without health insurance again--how thoroughly they were conned by a manchild carnival barker.
4
What a surprise -- a man and woman born with no particular skills in anything other than being rich entitled people are total failures when handed positions for which they are totally unqualified. Who knew?
26
Well, it turns out that business experience--even a lot of it--really doesn't qualify one to be a leader of the world's longest established democracy, and that being able to read a profit and loss statement isn't the same thing as having knowledge and experience in government and public policy. Who knew?
2
Trump's "business experience" lies with the skill set necessary to know when to declare bankruptcy in time to defraud your creditors and leave your employees unpaid. Other than that, he inherited his "business" from his father, a ruthless domineering man who did not like his son. Perhaps you refer to The Apprentice where Trump was able to say "you're fired" to people who were not really his employees.
John Kelly was the little boy who was like the little boy and the emperor. Kelly was able to control know-nothing Kushner by shouting "but the emperor's son-in-law is wearing no clothes and knows nothing much!
1
Trump being grossly unsuited to be president makes the US seem a third world country the way he allows close family members to give advice on complex policy issues. The Chinese showed how they view Trump; ply his family with business favors and they can influence Trump. Trump's love of Saudi Arabia is influenced by Kushner's support of Crown Prince Mohamed's power grab and the Saudi's genocidal war against Yemen.
17
Nice to see the WH playing both the Times & the Post with pr on Kushner.
2
Define "playing." You call this PR? It's not the kind I'd want if I were a WH advisor. He comes across as someone completely out of his depth who's been trading on the fact that he's Trump's son-in-law. He planned a couple of overseas trips. Great. Maybe he'll be a travel agent in his next life.
21
If you think the White House is playing the Post and the Times by providing positive pr on Little Jared, you should hope they never play the Post and the Times by providing positive pr on YOU. This article only shows how seriously out of his league the boy really is.
1
When things get really tough, he can do what he did when the Obamacare repeal was tanking -- head off to Aspen.
20
Somehow I missed the memo on why this guy is the best qualified person for any position.
When he didn't speak for months I assumed that he wasn't too bright. Then he spoke and my initial take was confirmed.
He advises an unindicted criminal and takes career advice from his father, a convicted one. He's no more qualified to solve the Israel/Palestine debacle than I am. His family business is in trouble and his sister tries to sell access.
The good news is that as soon as the WH starts bleating about how respected and useful you are, you're toast.
34
If you find that memo, keep looking for one that tells us all why his father in law is the best qualified person for HIS job. Oh, right, this is 'merca and we judge success by how much money someone has.
When, like Mr. Trump, you are unprincipled and narcissistic, there is no one you will not sacrifice, no one you will not betray.
17
Don't be stupid enough to trust Jared Kushner with the future of U.S. international relations. He is the son of a felonious real estate scion and the son in law of another felonious real estate scion. He owns a poorly written money losing newspaper in NYC and a tenant harassing real estate firm in the East Village and mid-atlantic states taking advantage of low income tenants. Yes, he has the handsome boyish looks of a high-end male model, so what?
26
Handsome boyish looks? Looks more like a guy who doesn't get much sleep, judging by the ghostly-white, drawn face. Maybe all the lies, omissions, and deception are finally starting to eat away at him? And, I hate to break it to Ivankie, but Prince Jared is not the Kushner family hottie...Josh wins that title no contest.
The prime problem in Trump's regime is that the very limited size of those UHNWIs in Trump's < 0.01% elite imperialist con-artists and looters is so small that it involves only a few lower 'musical chairs' being rearranged in the bridge of the 'Titanic' --- with the only stool tall enough to reach the helm-man's wheel continuing to be occupied by the class dunce.
7
If this is what the Office of Government Ethics rules are, why are the Kushners still in the White House?
-----"In addition to the fee discussed in “Late Filing Fees” section, individuals who fail to file a report, file a false report, or fail to report required information risk serious consequences.
----Both the agency and the Department of Justice may take action against the employee. This possibility emphasizes the importance of documenting contacts with filers, especially when there are concerns regarding timely or accurate filing....
----An agency may take any appropriate action against employees who have not filed or who have filed a false, incomplete, or late report, in accordance with applicable personnel laws and regulations. Agency action does not, however, preclude action by the Department of Justice."
----Report your spouse’s assets and income related to employment in Part 5. For purposes of this Part, “employment-related” is interpreted broadly to cover, with certain exceptions, all of your spouse’s non-investment activities as well as your spouse’s retirement accounts..."
5
They were delusional ! ....and everybody can see except themselves. Yet, we elected them?!!!
8
"We" didn't.....remember?
1
Can they all go jump in a lake? How nauseating it is to read about the shifting roles of a bunch of mediocre amateurs as they merrily destroy America's standing in the world and undermine standards of intellectual honesty!
17
Kim Jong Un & Ri Sol-ju were married in 2009. They registered at Pyongyang Very Full Department Store #1. On their list was a kimchi pan, a two-drawer dresser & a potato slicer.
Ms. Sol-Ju, 25, worried about escapees throwing a memory stick into the ceremony. Weddings are hard enough to plan for when your fiancé is not someone who has the ability to alter the weather simply through the power of thought.
But Mr. Kim was less anxious. At times, it can feel toxic to identify as the murderer of millions of citizens, including your own uncle & brother, in the Pyongyang of 2017.
But not always. He said Trump opened a space for him, showing that it is not the end of the world to be attacked. “You can just say, ‘Yeah, so?’ And just kill another family member.”
It was a weeknight at Okryu-gwan in Chongjin, a suburb of Pyongyang, a few weeks before the wedding. They were young & in love. She ordered the wingless bones.
In Pyongyang, amid the empty towers & silence, Mr. Kim's presence can make hardly a ripple. People are afraid to ripple. He is the Perfect Human Nothing Else Is True Yes All Holes In One Yes Yes Yes next door, murderous & volatile--but politely so.
Most Americans would be disgusted by his endless lust for killing.
But his love of Disney & dance music are innocuous pop-culture references: a picture of Mickey Mouse adorns his butcher knife. He says he sometimes views Juche culture ironically; on those days, he kills fewer people. He is a big “Rodman” fan...
1
The kid’s not qualified...next.
7
Amateur hour, amateur year.
13
Jared should be put in charge of NASA since his biggest accomplishment has been to take up space.
17
Oh no! What are we going to do???
1
Kushner is not an idiot, do not sell him short. His omission of foreign contacts was not an oversight but an intentional deception because if he listed one contact he would have to list them all therefore the “administrative oversight” cover story was concocted from the beginning and yet he still has his security clearance. But get real people Kushner is not the problem, Trump is.
6
Jared Kushner is arrogant and a boor according to many accounts in the press. The quote in the article, a response to a question from Reince Priebus, with a gratuitous expletive, is typical. Elizabeth Speirs, Editor of the Observer, confirmed that Kushner knew that Trump did not believe the Obama birther nonsense, and accepted the lies and obfuscations from Trump. Kushner has not done anything, his accomplishments in this article seem specious and false. I hope he leaves the White House and takes Trump with him
9
Both Donald and Jared needed the Russians to bail them out of their poor financial predicaments. Caught you RED-handed!
10
How do you write a couple dozen paragraphs on Jared Kushner and not ask: how does this man still have a security clearance?
30
"Jared Who?"
3
My hope is to see the whole Trump family, the generals, the Mercer mercenaries and Pence and his religious zealots all frog marched across the White House lawn and into paddy wagons.
14
Jared must bring peace between Israel and Palestine, then all second guessing will stop....
1
So, what did Kushner accomplished? Anything? Can't tell from this article.
5
This book explains how people like Kushner will never go away. https://www.amazon.com/Partner-Power-Presidents-Trusted-Advisers/dp/1633... to power
1
It is utterly preposterous that POTUS has his unqualified and intellectually mediocre children and son in law as "advisors." Dont lose sight of this.
16
He needs to stay long enough to be measured for his orange jumpsuit.
11
Jack of all trades and master of none. Classic Trump protege. Knows everything and accomplishes little. Master of the Universe Ego-Boy.
4
So they are dismantling the State Department and relying on a slumlord to broker peace in the Middle East?!
Pardon me while I laugh my head off for a while.
We have a bunch of nincompoops sitting in the Oval Office arguing all day with each other over who should have more power -- and they're telling us that one of these nincompoops is going to make peace between Israel and its neighbors?
Any way you look at it, this administration is deluded. But I'll give them two points for being hilarious - and deduct ten points for being utterly incompetent. And then shave off another fifty for endangering the entire world with their nonsense.
18
Welcome to the infantry Jared. Now knock out ten for me...
1
First we occupy the kitchen
I personally think the real reason President Trump has installed Ivanka and Jared in the White House is to give them unlimited access to meeting all the foreign heads of state of foreign countries so that when the time comes for them to exit the White House, they will have made extraordinary contacts for their personal businesses--Jared's real estate businesses ( parts of which are already seriously floundering, i.e. 666 5th Ave.) and Ivanka's womens clothing and jewelry businesses. In due time they will become instant billionaires. Remember-- when Ivanka met President Xi of China, wasn't it just coincidental that she was able to get 5-6 copyright/trademark licenses in less than 24 hours. This process would normally taken at least several months ( or more) to happen for anyone else without White hose connections.
Jared is completely out of his depth. He has no background in government, diplomacy or international law and Trump sends him to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians-- what hubris! His father Charles Kushner gave $ 2.5 M to Harvard so Jared -- a B+ student with less than stellar college board scores-- could get in. Then his father donated $ 3 M so his son could get into NYU grad school. Jared Kushner is like a jack of all trades, and a master of none. He has no depth in any areas of government. And worst of all, it clearly appears that he is not respected by his colleagues in the White House.
13
Can we bribe them out of office? Offer Trump and the entire dysfunctional rabble he's brought in a golden parachute of about $100 billion dollars or so (the amount they want to raise the military budget) and then get some experienced people back into the right positions? Before he runs the entire country (and the rest of the world) over a cliff? It would be much cheaper in the long run, because that amount of cash can be spent in about a year in any of the various fools' errands he's planning to initiate. It would be a bargain to be rid of these idiots at twice the price. A massive buyout of the Trump disaster. That's about $300 per per person for 300 million people ... I'd gladly pay $300 get Trump to resign. Since all he cares about is money and being seen to have made a deal, that would inflate his overblown ego perfectly.
6
We have a man-boy choking on his silver spoon, with his blue blazer and flak jacket, telling his daddy-in-law and co-husband that he wants important play projects. We don't have an ambassador in the most consequential place on the planet, South Korea. Let that sink in.
9
Regarding Trump's surrogate son, Jared Kushner:
This nepotistic dog and pony show has got to stop.
Maybe General Kelly, once he has complete White House control under a demented President and has quarantined Kushner, can finally perform his most courageous act for his country—and help rid it of Trump.
3
What?
The Main Man is diminishing!
The Secretary Of Everything is no longer running the show @ HW!
The slick boy wonder from NJ with zero experience, except collecting money from housing projects, is no longer in charge of fixing our problems!
Please pass me a hanky. I 'm getting teary eyes.
5
Every brag this administration has proffered so far has ended up abrisged, reduced, subject to downward revision, or vaporized. Reminds me of a classic bit from TV... Maxwell Smart: You see the moment I suspected there was something wrong with this old scow, I immediately telephoned headquarters and I happen to know that at this very minute seven coastguard cutters are converging on this boat. Would you believe it? Seven.
Mr. Big: I find that pretty hard to believe.
Maxwell Smart: Would you believe six?
Mr. Big: I don't think so.
Maxwell Smart: How about two cops in a rowboat?
2
Kushner, Hicks and Don Jr. are the answer to what did the president know and when did he know it as far as collusion with Russia goes. Once under oath they will pressed to not reveal that he knew everything.
2
Kushner seems like a poster boy for Botox and some kind of facial hair removal product. He appears successful at both. Along with criminality he shares these traits with Ivanka.
I hope they have a good plan for raising their children - while spending taxpayer money - in prison.
6
Jared will in the near future wind up in jail, down the row from Flynn, Manafort, and, if justice truly prevails, Donalds Jr AND Sr
4
The dear boy suffers from affluenza. Prognosis uncertain, but quarantine seems to be the prescription.
9
Too bad that Kelly came along when he did. Had he not, the Kushners might have been wearing prison orange by now, matching another family portrait. As it is, the drip drip drip of scandal should give him grey hair soon enough.
2
This article skipped Jared's "problems" with the law. Therefore, it is not the whole story. Do better, Washington Post.
4
Robert Mueller will discover what evidence there is that Kushner suborned treason against the United States in collaboration with Putin. Then we'll see a much more focused article in the NYT.
5
Yes, an Orthodox Jew who is an aggressive real estate acquirer and slum landdord is just the man to bring the Palestinians to an agreement with Israel.Why didn't anybody think of this before.
14
I would love to know who advised Jared to leave out the Russian connections.
Pretty sure trump would throw Him under the bus in a heart beat.
I hope Tiffany Trump is enjoying her shadenfreude .
She can peacefully live her life while the others suffer humiliation.
It was probably so hard being shunned but what relief she must feel to have the whole world see the sleaziness and disloyalty of her father.
I still can't believe this con men and Ivanka the "girl power" con woman and the B team of Don Jr, Eric and Jared are running our country
8
C'mon, fellows, hasn't anyone realised that Trump is completely, and utterly, unawares of what it means to run the American government. He cannot read anything more than a page, he cannot concentrate, he has no idea of what he has to do and what his responsibilities are. He thinks he adequately communicates by 140 words tweets. But he suspects the job is more than just tweeting. So he needs someone to be with him ALL THE TIME, SOMEONE He CAN CAN TRUST INSTINCTIVELY. Unfortunately for the country and Trump himself that someone is an absolute greenhorn who have even less idea about what it takes to govern and to administer the largest governmental enterprise in the world. Because he has to help Trump in everything in government , repeat everything, Kushner therefore has a job description that practically covers everything. It is an absurd and ridiculous situation. Both of them have absolute gall. Great minds with infinitely vast knowledge and experience have wrestled with the intractable problem of peace between Israel and Palestine. This wet-behind-the-ear superannuated "teenager", with absolute no known knowledge and experience on the issues, apart from being Jewish, is assigned to find a solution. Don't take this assignment seriously. Like everything this administration has done, it is a VERY SICK JOKE.
5
When the Trump clan leave Washington, at least it will make a great premise for a TV show on FOX, though:
"The Billionaire Hillbillies"
8
Let me get this straight, now...
> Kushner is bad - though Trump thought he was good
> Kelly is good - and Trumps thinks he is good
> Flynn was good before he was bad - and Trump thought he was good before he thought he was bad
> Comey was good before he was bad before he was good - and Trump thought and still thinks he was bad, the whole time...
> Tillerson was bad before he was bad, and Trump thought he was good, before he realized he didn't know what to think
> Price was good - before he got himself really good seats on really good planes, paid for by the rest of us
> Mnuchen is bad - but Larkin will set him straight...
> Manafort wasn't good for much of anything
> Steele was good at being a respected British spy...And - after that - a respected former British spy
> And so on and so on
But riddle me this - deep state and fourth estate...
Why is it that the absolute proof of specific US Congressional sexual harassment is sealed up tighter than Swiss and FiDi bullion vaults - but the crinkle of Trump's brow is news within minutes of him crinkling it...
Sometimes - even before...
I think we need a more useful third amendment...If the:
> First one lets us assault and kill with words
> Second one lets us assault and kill with guns
Then - perhaps...The:
> Third one would let us assault and kill with mobs
Your proposed Third One is embodied in the First One...
What he said to Reince Priebus, using an expletive, showed immediately that he did not belong in the White House. He displayed a sense of superiority and privilege all based on nepotism from being the president's son-in-law, not on experience. It shows he was not going to show the chief of staff any respect or be a team player. Now he has the Russian albatross wrapped around his neck and may have broken some laws. That is what believing you are above everyone (and the law) gets you in life. The NYT stories about the way he went after tenants who tried to move out was also revealing - is there a soul there?
7
Peter Principle at work
3
I think Mr. Kushner might just bring peace to the Middle East...hehehe
3
As far as what the future holds for Trump, the Trumpettes and their band of merry men, they should just stand in a circle, 2nd Amendment weapons in hand. Citizens who care about the country can simultaneously tweet, “FIRE!!!”. Quick and easy. And it wouldn’t be so SAD.
6
Jared -- a complete nonentity who has no accomplishments -- is bad enough with his hubris and self-regard. But he's matched by his wife, who has the effrontery to run around self-proclaiming herself a champion for the empowerment of women. That she leads the US delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit is just another notch in the never-ending embarrassments Donnie and his tribe shower down on Americans. Is the women whose Thanksgiving "tablescape" (decked out with Waterford crystal and Astier plates) is the subject of today's column by Frank Bruni going to stand up in Hyderabad and admit that her clothing line is produced abroad by workers she exploits and underpays? We would all be better off if Ivanka stayed put in her Washington, DC mansion supervising little Arabella's Chinese-language lessons and knitting long johns for Jared to wear on icy winter nights in his prison cell.
12
"Mr. Kushner’s father, Charles, has urged his son to hang on, arguing that otherwise he will become the fall guy for White House mistakes, according to someone in Jared Kushner’s circle."
Calling the chief, calling all copy editors. Why doesn't this article remind readers that Charles Kushner is a convicted felon? Uncharacteristic of most fatherly advice, it's the sort of counsel one learns in prison.
9
Sounds like Kelly should be Time's Person of the Year! I wonder how long he would last after that ...
4
If Jared and Ivanka had one ounce of intelligence, they would leave Washington and return to New York. Drain the swamp indeed. Praying Mr. Mueller will be able to get these thugs out of the White House.
3
But if Jared and Ivanka leave, who will staff the White House adult day care center??
6
Jared globe trotting to solve those intractables as Minister without portfolio near their end. The dismal prospects of success a heady to halcyon let down.
Bankruptcy looming on the horizon warrant an introspective focus along with the Gambino-style roll up lapping at his feet.
The Cyprus reroutes via RAF Akrotiri in conjunction with Middle East prospecting are still a loose thread to be mended by the Mueller fix it crew.
1
Hey Jared, what happened to ending world hunger?
8
The White House and most of the cabinet are now populated by millionaire and billionaire lifelong liars, thieves and fraudsters. Secy of State (Exxon CEO Tillerson), Treasury (Mnuchin), Energy (Rick "Oops" Perry) and Education (Devos) to name a few.
These tycoons of wealth made their money on Ponzi schemes, picking the corpses of foreclosed American homes and never paying a legitimate debt. Devos married into the Amway fortune and Mnuchin foreclosed every American home he could, even when some were only a few dollars behind. Many homes were taken on immoral and unethical technicalities.
We all need to ask ourselves what have these people given back to America? They cheat on their taxes, lie about their motives and pretend to stand for patriotic family values. Yet they have never lived the life of the person they pretend to understand.
As long as these charlatans control our government, this nation will suffer. And I fear time is running out as the current path of our unfortunate destiny becomes irreversible.
11
The story of SoCal foreclosures et al began with Greenspan's mortgage broker frauds which allowed brokers to loan money to the unemployed and to those with no credit references. The brokers collected commissions; the people who moved into houses they could not pay for were evicted by the banks under foreclosures; people ended up living in their cars. The neighborhoods subject to the mortgage frauds and evictions remain empty and strewn with weeds and garbage. The banks can neither rent them, nor sell them. DeVos in charge of public school money used for charter schools. Tillerson, the Exxon spill guy, in charge of the State Dept. And, so on. Banana republics all over the world are looking at the U.S. with awe and envy.
Don't forget that Jared will probably do time in a Federal penitentiary for asking the Russians to set up a secure communication channel at their embassy so our intelligence agencies will not be able to detect it. I do believe that is called conducting espionage for the Russian government which is also called Treason against the United States of America. Of all the characters in this play, his offense is the most egregious, dangerous, dumbest and easiest to convict. Unfortunately for him, playing dumb has never gotten anyone out of jail. And, fortunately for everyone else, a sealed indictment that will be unsealed seven years from now when your father-in-law won't be able to pardon you will be send to prison for a very long time and label you as a traitor. Jared... you're going to jail.
14
I once hoped he would be a young. smart advisor ot Trump. He has proven to be just like trump. He comes from a criminal family background and operwerates illegally. I look forward to his disgraced downfall.
10
Nobody is credible working in this administration. You got the golf caddie tweeting lies daily and with no prior in the field he is working in, as can be seen by the daily gaff's. Kelly Ann CONway promoting the T-rump brand on a daily basis with absolutely no idea what the definition of ethics is. You got the son in-law, daughter, the wedding planner and recently an attorney who has never tried a case before. Amateur hour in the White House and nobody can articulate the definition of what public service is.
11
“Mr. Kushner brushed him off, according to people privy to the exchange. Given that he and his top lieutenants were paid little or nothing, Mr. Kushner asked, “What do you care?” He emphasized his point with an expletive.“
Once we take back the House and Senate, the first law we pass is that no-one in any branch of government works for “free.” That is a euphemism for corruption. The Times should be ashamed of participating in this attempt to whitewash Kushner. I doubt it will influence Robert Mueller and his “lieutenants.” They are used to arrogant criminals.
7
Umm...thank goodness that John Kelly is protecting America from the White House?
That this headline comforts me shows me how desperate we are for true leadership.
4
Real estate investor going bankrupt on real estate investments? Ask him to solve the arab-israeli conflict instead.
I don't think much of Kelly anymore after his gold-star family attack.
10
How ironic that Jared ("Mr. Israel-Palestine Peace") might get indicted for interfering with President Obama's foreign policy in the last months of office, illegally, on behalf of the Israelis, and then attempting to cover it up.
What a laughable group.
5
Jared's future - along with the rest of the trumps is prison.
3
Jared Kushner comes from a criminal family. Moral probity is the last thing one would expect from such an individual
3
Today's tribal instructions to progressive thought-bots is to deny humanity to these two young people more than just hate them. But they are worth most of a billion dollars. How can ignorant people get that rich in the real estate business in New York?
Once again, liberalism has failed its adherents. You have all these Democrats who think they sound like they know something other than how desperately jealous they are of Jared & Ivanka.
2
How silly! Accusing Democrats of being “jealous” is nonsense. Believe me, I would not trade my simple,middle class life for any of their ill gotten money,and power. Jealous? I can’t stop laughing!
4
Jared got his money from his Dad who gave a $25 million donation to Harvard University before his son was accepted there. He never earned a dime. earning billions is no indication of merit or virtue ne c essarily.
3
Mafia Don has a knack for distancing himself from the weakest members of his cabal, and without much ado, similar to the way he discards wives. There are others in the wings who can fill the role of sloppy sycophant enabler. "Next!"
2
Can someone point out any new news (or at least speculation) in this article? I too find it rather ridiculous that our bumble-headed president would heap so much responsibility on his wholly under qualified son in law; but to publish an article full of already told stories and past ineptitude seems to be a bit of overkill.
It sounds like a modern day "Wolf Hall"!
3
“Office of American Innovation” = Trump/Kushner family enrichment,
at all costs to country and citizens. They are criminals.
1
The living epitome of "reach exceeding grasp"
1
I predict Jared and Ivanka will slide on back to NYC. But I wonder if the social scene in NYC will be as welcoming as it once was. The Kushners are now tainted with not only by this failed mess of a president but with Jared’s own suspect behavior with the government. New York society knows you are known by the company you keep.
5
What? Public service is actually a thankless job full of scrutiny in which you are constantly fighting anti-government demagogues opposed to every single thing you try to accomplish? Call the Leer Jet , honey! We're heading back to civilization.
2
Perhaps the most crucial function John Kelley has played thus far is reigning in the arrogant, audacious, and smug Jared Kushner. Whether Kelley instilled some degree of fear or respect (which I highly doubt for he seems to respect no one) in brat boy Jared's brain or game plan, his presence is working and having some effect. And that task alone is something I am happy to see in this newest chief of staff at the White House.
2
Perhaps the White House wants us to believe Kushner's role has diminished when it has not. He and Ivanka are still whispering in Donald's ear. Blood is thicker than water.
For those who read the NY Times news regarding Mr. Kushner, --and forgot the definition of hubris--, it is a noun meaning: excessive pride or self-confidence, arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, hauteur, pride, self-importance, egotism, pomposity, superciliousness, superiority; more (in Greek tragedy) excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis. Does that sound familiar?
1
Wasn't it Prince Jared who advised Trump to fire James Comey?
Surely, anyone with an IQ above freezing would've been able to understand the consequences of that.
But then, again....
NOT my president
3
Really? This is something Mr. Kelly gives up as "success"? "Office of American Innovation, run by Mr. Kushner, had demonstrated its value, noting that he (Kelly) had recently sent some members of its team to Puerto Rico to report back on conditions on the hurricane-ravaged island.'
Did Mr. Kushner do his job and find out how his Robber Baron friends can profit from this disaster? Because Puerto Rico is the worst human disaster in modern American HIStory. All the Robber Barons are behind the scenes figuring out how they can profit while over half the island still doesn't have electricity and many don't have water.
If that is their idea of "success" we can see where The Con Don and his Robber Baron brethren, including Mr. Kelly, want to take America.
NO. NO. NO. Not now and Not Ever Again. WE THE PEOPLE are the only ones who can stop them until Investigator Mueller takes them down.
4
He's solved everything, so of course his agenda is very open.
A note from a social democratic Democratic tactical thinker [Voted for her; my desired world is a little to the left of Bernie but I live here now]:
I am willing to give Kushner a near permanent pass solely for getting Bannon out of the White House. I will settle for whatever he and his wife can keep her father from doing. Remember, folks, the goal now is to muddle through the next three plus years without all out war or depression. Haven't you noticed that the most boneheaded Trump tweets and actions tend to occur when the Kushner familly is off observing the sabbath?
I cannot think that he expected that his father-in-law becoming President was much of a possibility back a year and a half ago. So I would suppose that he wasn't devoting full time and attention to the campaign back then. That could easily have led to his taking a meeting that his clearly boneheaded brother-in-law set up without worrying about how it would look later because he had zero expectation that there would be a relevant later. His mind was probably much more on the very real troubles at 666 Fifth Avenue, not incidentally for which he needed Trump family solidarity.
I'm not saying he isn't in over his head in many ways, just that he and his wife seem to be what I lately have come to label "at least mostly reality based". That is a too scarce commodity in this administration.
1
Heck they fired most of the top diplomats and policy specialists at the State Department because Jared would do it all as a super diplomat. His superior skills in negotiating with the Russian and back channel diplomacy plus hatred for State Department wonks convinced Trump and Tillerson that Jared could be the unofficial assistant secretary of state with an unlimited portfolio. No concern by Trump that he and Jared along with Manafort and Flynn were committing treason. After all those Russian sanctions were strictly Obama and Kerry's lame brained idea. Jared hoped to get some of that easy Russian money flowing to his real estate debacles so he could enrich himself on dirty Russian money if he could just get those pesky sanctions out of the way. To do this he needed to keep top level communications on his personal computer. Maybe a little help from Russian computers too. And as a member of the executive branch, he was not subject to FOIA which was Hillary's downfall. Brilliant plan!
2
Does this mean we may never hear about Jared's plan for peace in the middle east?
That's a kick in the gut.
Jared's diminished status is more likely due to the fact that in the end he will most certainly roll over on Trump. He'll have to due to his many public lies, which now BTW have been set to Music https://soundcloud.com/thewinefellers/my-name-is-jared-kushner
1
Jk is really the the main man, the tech man ,if you will behind the Russian interference. He set them up in the key areas that were needed to steal the election.Soon we will get this info and the wonder boy will be indicted then pardoned.
1
I loved the start of the story, with the arrogant Jared telling off Priebus after Priebus asked a perfectly reasonably question. My question, as a Times subscriber and reader, is: Why did this story turn into War and Peace? Just because it's the website doesn't mean you should let a story meander on and on and on and on. It turned into, This, and That, This, and That, This, and That.
3
Ah, nepotism. How I do love it so.
Sweet Jared should make a point of visiting Leavenworth, Kansas; a big federal prison there. Some day he might be forced by a host of circumstances beyond his control to call it “home”. In the meantime, we get to watch the scientific method in action — confirmation of Gen. “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell’s trenchant observation about the downside of rapid ascents up the slopes of Olympus to the very summit, the height of power and fame: “the higher a monkey climbs, the more you see of his behind”.
1
Who would think that an inexperienced young man who ruined his family's real estate business by buying the white elephant 666 Fifth Avenue, would be a whiz at solving a multitude of intractable political problems? Only that master expert on acumen, character and nepotism, Donald J. Trump.
4
I pity the poor victims of the hurricane in Puerto Rico if they are depending on Mr. Kushner's "experience" in dealing with people in distress. Let them eat cake.
3
Incredible arrogance, paired with inherited money, and a proclivity for plans that lose billions... and this is just in his family business.
Yep, just what we need in a senior advisory role at the White House. If he leaves, as I hope, I say, good riddance Jared.
3
I don't want to hear anything about this Kelly dude anymore than I want to hear about the so called president. Already too disgusted to care anymore!
1
Jared Kushner: the apple of his daddy’s eye with the voice of an angel.
Jared undermined President Obama's policy toward Israel at the United Nations in the last months of Obama's presidency. Jared violated U.S. law by his conspiracy against the sitting president, then Jared tried to cover-up his contacts with Israeli officials and his illegal lobbying on behalf of a foreign government.
There should be much more news on this Jared-Israel conspiracy but I suspect it's being tamped down because of the sensitivities surrounding Jewish Americans who lobbies for Israel. (This shouldn't be the case, Israel should be treated like any other foreign country). The Kushner's long financial relationship in support of Israel's illegal settlements in the West Bank should also garner much more media coverage than it does. Can American finance illegal activities, particularly when those activities have been declared illegal by a stroke of the American pen? Regardless of Jared's support for illegal settlements in the West Bank, he definitely violated the law when he contacted foreign leaders in order to conspire against a sitting U.S. President, then attempted to cover it up.
Mueller is coming for you Jared. Enjoy your last few months in the White House.
1
Ivanka will have a tough choice when her baby daddy is faced with either going to jail (just his dad - family tradition?) and dishing the dirt on DJT. What to do....how will she architect this into her life? Stay tuned.
3
You mean to tell me a C student who has been handed everything in his life on a golden platter is an ineffectual public servant.
When 45 says he solved/fixed any of his grandiose responsibilities, just check back in because I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you.
2
That’s what heat does to thin plastic.
1
Unfortunately, Jared and Ivanka represent everything that is wrong with our nation and indeed with many of our citizens, especially those at the top of the food chain. They are completely self absorbed to the point where they apparently can’t comprehend how reprehensible it is to participate in the many self serving antics they have engaged in since being allowed access to the seat of power that the White House represents. From the opening gambit of Kushners sister peddling visas to Chinese investors seeking money to build their project in New Jersey I believe, to Jared’s involvements with seriously flawed Israelis and Russians to attain financing for his foray into mid and low tier apartments in Manhattan, to his being sent to represent America in the Palestinian negotiations; on what merit: Netanyahu slept in his bedroom as a kid? The only surprising thing is that he has yet to be brought up on any charges, in particular with respect for his financial dealings with the Steinmetz family, the scion of which was recently under house arrest in Israel, pretty serious stuff in a country where even Bibi is under the microscope for his dealings according to the excellent Israeli Daily Harratz. Perhaps even more ironic is the supposed wish of The Donald to bring manufacturing back to America, this as his lovely daughter Ivanka is making her schmatas in China and cutting branding deals with Chinese parties as fast as they can say Mazeltov!
2
I don't trust or believe anything John Kelly says anymore. John Kelly lost all of his credibility and honesty when he came out at that press conference and outright knowingly lied about the Congresswoman from Florida, and refused to apologize even after the facts became widely and undisputedly known.
I take anything Kelly says with a grain of salt; and as for Jared Kushner, he has lied so many times about his contacts with the Russians to the FBI and the vetting for his clearances, he should be fired or at a minimum be stripped of all his clearances.
4
Mr. Kushner's response to Mr. Preibus' question proves money and position do not a gentleman make.
2
The office of innovation showed its value by sending a few people to Puerto Rico? Is that a joke?
3
Kushner is not the guy the world and We The People want out!
The same goes for the rest of the lot.
One note of correction: By a margin of nearly three million voters the American people chose the agenda of Hillary Clinton who, as it happens, actually knows how to structure and operate a successful government. The majority of Americans did not install a man whose primary attributes are imaginary truths and Twitter postings, the Electoral College did.
2
Kushner will end up as a footnote in history, a minor laughingstock carrying around his comically large portfolio of unfinished tasks.
3
Yes , flying down to Puerto Rico is American innovation alright.
2
How can the guy fail with so much public appreciation and goodwill behind him? (Everybody loves a whippersnapper.)
1
When he goes to prison, he will be even less visible.
3
As long as we have the internet as we know it, why would you put in information technology directors at various agency’s? So they can eventually be hacked, a foregone conclusion. Exposing mismanagement? Possible crimes? The government and the people of this country still don’t get it. All these great Mobil devices and instant access to places and people around the world via the internet. It ain’t safe. It is shockingly dangerous to our democracy. Why do you think many members of Congress do not use email or have smart phones???? Before tax reform or any reform, there should be cyber reform
No where in this article is the word "nepotism" mentioned. I can think of thousands of well qualified 30 to 40 year olds that could step in and do the jobs of Jared and Ivanka. You know, people who have dedicated their studies and careers, so far,in Middle East and world affairs. But again, this president doesn't value knowledge and experience, only total dedication to HIM. This is like watching a TV sitcom, where you wonder, if anyone has a real day job somewhere.
DT has done a terrible job finding employees to support the WH, or the cabinet positions. Remember the TV interview about the staffing shortages in the State Department, and his answer was, "the only important person here is me" If this were a company and I were a main investor, I'd pull the plug on this adventure, tout de suite!
3
General Kelly does not need to send the Office of American Innovation to Puerto Rico. He needs to ginny up a history book on Trump's responsibility for the people there, a heavy dose of compassion in place of blatant racism, and some competence on the leadership front for federal efforts. Does Kelly have any idea how patently ridiculous the White House over which he presides looks to educated, honest people in this country and around the world? Think Barnum and Bailey Circus, General. You are the ring leader.
3
Jared has provided a truly outstanding example to the nation of the damage that nepotism can do. It is amazing that Jared can keep a suit from collapsing, since there is nothing there whatsoever.
3
Picking family members for important posts could be OK in business but in running government it is a poor choice. Trump is still thinking that he is running a family business not the Government.
1
It is very hard to trust Jared because of his meeting with Russians. It is very scary to think Americans wanted to deal with Russia. We have enemies among us.
1
The new American Oligarchy in full swing - that is what we see playing out in the White House. An ignorant populous and an uncritical Press are fueling the rise of the Oligarchy and the dismantling of democracy. It is fascinating to read in the New York Times a front-page essay without a hint of critical interpretation, as if nepotism and corruption had nothing to do with the presence of the President`s son-in-law in the White House. These are not ordinary times and the Press has a duty to educate the reader. Ignorance will facilitate the ascent of the Oligarchy, but will not guarantee the future of the Free Press.
12
Having suffered through an entire Thanksgiving Day refereeing outlier relatives, I feel Kelly's pain having to do this everyday at the White House--
4
I would bet that even President Trump can't stand Jared but even as unstable as Trump is, he is not foolish enough to go after the husband of the daughter he loves so much.
1
Appointing Jared and Ivanka to senior positions in the Trump White House is a little like a hospital CEO appointing his unqualified kids to prominent surgical roles.
The major difference is that while the CEO's kids can only kill one patient at a time, Jared and Ivanka have the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to take down entire countries.
11
this sets a glaring example of nepotism at its worst. Hollow as an empty basket when it comes to bring to the fore any relevant experience on the political spectrum the coy M. Kushner seems nonetheless more than willing to cling to his 2nd-row seat (or 3rd wheel actual position), vying to stay put and continue being part of the sprawling scene despite the fact of having little to show for it.
How long is it supposed to last? Hopefully, not too long before somebody with real credentials finally deigns filling in a seat that more or less has remained vacant since his first day.
3
It is good for Kushner to spend more time with his children now. He may spend many years of their childhood in prison. One thing I will never understand about this family -- how they place the future of their children --even their names will live in infamy -- in such peril.
16
Perhaps because they are children themselves, who never had to learn the thing about actions and consequences?
8
Neither Kushner, nor his wife -- Trump's daughter and the mother of his grandchildren -- is going to prison. Not while Trump is still able to hold a pen long enough to sign a pardon.
3
Whatever rationalizations trump's henchmen can dust off and trot out (novice, naïve, innocent blunder, etc) for Kushner’s/Don jr's behavior, the one irrefutable untarnished fact is these men are corruptible and are indeed corrupt. It runs in the family.
22
While many say Turnip is his daughter's husband, a blindfolded Jughead marches relentlessly along his comical path. Only time will tell the end of this national fiasco.
8
Has anyone else noticed that the address for Jared's family's building is 666 5th Avenue? Are larger forces at play?
12
I don't ever see a picture of jared without thinking "little frat boy"; in over his head, with his connections as his only qualifications.
He'll be there as long as it serves him.
10
Uh-oh... Kusher was given "free rein to tackle everything from the federal government’s outdated technology to peace in the Middle East," and yet "the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy is largely a ghost town." Plus the PA may not be taking the WH's calls. This does not sound good at all.
5
The Trump and Kushner luster is on a steady decline, to say the least.
6
Prison will be a welcome respite for Mr. Kushner after the hectic time he has had in the White House this past year.
And like many, I am trusting in heart disease, dementia and related ailments rather than impeachment, which takes too long. Another Quarter-Pounder, Mr President? Yes sir, all you can eat!
15
We need to stop entertaining intellectual curiosity items about this guy and hold him to account for doing everything from obstructing investigations to enriching himself by refusing to divest interests. His henchmen keep trying to normalize the abnormality of his behavior. Nothing about his time in office has been normal and nothing about him has changed. He is grossly incompetent and proves it daily. He is using the office to enrich himself and his spawn, and proves it daily.
20
Giving a spoiled, rich, nasty, obnoxious young guy this kind of responsibility requires a very special kind of president.
Donald Trump is really special.
17
Mr. Kushner failed the great test of his life when he neglected to respond appropriately during the election campaign to his father-in-law’s close association with alt-right Breitbart and their resurrection of the America First ethos that called the loyalty of Jews in this country into question in the thirties.
He still possesses the opportunity to redeem himself by telling the American people just a fraction of what he knows about the Russians and Trump’s finances.
15
The part about Kushner's awareness that he might be under surveillance brought to mind the image of goodfellas outside a social club with their hands over their mouths. What was the name of the don who walked around in a bathrobe acting crazy? Donnie fits into that role nicely and he would need no acting skills.
4
Great news. And goodbye to his wife too. The only things Jared is famous for are unscrupulous business practices and total ignorance about governance like his father-in-law. The 1st daughter and Jared's wife is just as ignorant and really looks pathetic in her new role. Whatever that is? Go back to producing products for you rich friends that are not made in America and stay out of the spotlight. The Trumps are so used to operating in the shadows so they don't do well in the spotlight.
14
Thank you very much, General Kelly for serving your country time and again. Nepotism is never good.
2
Kushner with these responsibilities is like going to the emergency room and seeing your carpet salesman brother- in -law with a stethoscope, pretending to be the attending physician.
18
Hopefully more patriotic Americans will become aware, how lucky the USA is to have Robert Mueller in his recent assignment
A graduate of Princeton University, Mueller served as a Marine Corps officer during the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for heroism and the Purple Heart Medal. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1973, he worked at a private firm in San Francisco for three years until his appointment as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the same city. Prior to his appointment as FBI director, Mueller served as a United States Attorney, as assistant attorney general for the Criminal Division and as acting deputy attorney general.
He earned a reputation as a no-nonsense, straitlaced attorney and investigator.[3][4][5] Lauded for his non-partisan and non-political approach, he has been credited with transforming the FBI from an agency primarily focused on law enforcement into one of the world's top organizations handling counterespionage and counterterrorism.[6
15
Thanks, Bob!
Rome is burning and you are telling me about politics in the Castle of the Grifters. Once he made those racially charged attacks on Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, I saw that Kelly is as bankrupt as this Administration.
Having the likes of Kelly supposedly policing the likes of someone like Kushner is of no benefit nor worse consequence to anyone than was already the case.
22
Please forgive the term, but Jared and Ivanka are lightweights and airheads when it comes to the White House environment. So is #45, but that's a different topic. Curbing them may become General Kelley's greatest challenge. In short, those two Air Heads have no business 'working' in the White House, with or without a formal salary. A wealthy boy from NYC or Jersey is going to solve a 70-YO conflict in the Middle-East? Get a grip! At best, he is a snot-nosed kid, living on his own Father's wealth. He is well versed in suing tardy paying tenants and collecting exorbitant rents from thousands of tenants, and now, as if my magic, he knows the intimate details of the Mid-East conflict that is far older than he is? Get a grip! General Kelley is right to suggest that the Kushner's White House days may be winding down. The White House is no place for children to play games. Even F-I-L #45 does get the essential of his own job, so how can he direct his family helpers? He cannot. It is past time for Jared and Ivanka to go home.
9
Born on third base, thinks he hit a triple.
14
Kushner definitely needs more time to focus on that Middle East peace thing.
4
Well, now that he's brought peace to the Middle East, reinvented government, cured the opioid epidemic and negotiated major treaties with China and Mexico he deserves some time off.
9
cut to the chase, Jared or djt jr are next to be subpoenaed.
5
Is anyone connecting the dots? To wit: Jared in charge of innovating technology; Russia engaged in a technology war with US; Jared investigated for ties with Russia.
13
Kushner was set up to fail given his ineptitude and inexperience to be 'wonder boy' in all things unknown to him and beyond his education and background. Nepotism went viral in our WH when Trump had his family aka business partners move in and take charge of areas where he is ignorant, which amounts to every area under the presidency he took by hook and by crook.
Trump and Clan Trump have Trump holdings or do business in an estimated 30 countries so there is no doubt in my mind that 90% of the time they have spent in our WH has been consumed by furthering their personal empire and increasing their coffers tenfold.
The fact that Trump, a multi billionaire violating the emoluments clause, wants to make tax cuts available to corporations and the wealthy controlling most of America's money, while either denying millions health insurance or raising premiums is a level of hubris previously unknown in our federal government. Trump and his cabal are attacking our health, our environment, our financial protections, and our household budgets while their personal wealth keeps them safe and warm at night. They are all a despicable, depraved and diabolical lot of individuals. The worst I have seen, or read about, in American history.
Kushner makes a good foil for Trump as he too is a pathological liar who will keep lying even when he is caught. His "I don't recall" sidestep from his lies won't cut it when he is front of a grand jury.
11
Should, and hopefully, a new president be elected in 2020, he or she will be inheriting a true nightmare in comparison to what the current president* proclaimed he inherited from Mr. Obama given the dysfunction that is visible in Trumpland.
7
Jared and Ivanka should get a job in NY and work for a living a while. Then maybe they will gain some experience at something else then being rich and well connected. What a waste of time and taxpayer money.
4
If he should have to get put into a police car...maybe don't be so nice about it?
We are beyond reason and satire.
6
Maybe Trump is finally learning — through the tough love of Gen. Kelly — that the conducting of U.S. business isn’t just one more family enterprise.
Jared the Incompetent with unlimited duties.
What could go wrong?
According to Trump supporters, America is becoming Great Again!
6
Hard to fathom what qualifications (aside from nepotism?) this person brought to the inner workings of the White House. But on second thought he fits right in - ignorant, inexperienced, arrogant and privileged. I suspect he will soon scurry back to the BIg Apple, professing he is underutilized and unappreciated. In the meantime he's getting a taste of how unforgiving big time politics can be, wonder if that even crosses his mind?
7
Trump said he'd hire "top, top people" and would fill his administration "with only the best and most serious people."
Serious people, serious trouble.
5
Mr and Mrs Kushner both have abandoned their father during periods of crisis and extreme stress within the campaign/administration. Croatia last summer and Aspen this year.
Why would they do that? They were not vacations and Mr Mueller will determine the true purpose of those trips.
1
Mr Kushner, and his wife, greatly overestimate their influence and exagerrate, and sometimes trumpet, their accomplishments to a degree that it easily becomes trumpery, or an intent to deceive, just like their father.
But Mr Mueller has the trump card.
4
It's just a shame that it's taken this long for people to realize that Jarvanka has absolutely no credentials or experience to bring to the table (nor does anyone else in this administration). They really can't be gone soon enough, and it should be interesting to see when Jared himself gets indicted for his shenanigans.
9
It's not that Kelly is pushing this pair down. I predict that Kushner and IK are implicated and expecting interactions with the Muller investigation. Hence they are being pocketed to reduce any damage they might bring to Trump.
3
Why is any of this so surprising? The entire inner Trumpian circle is composed of political neophytes. And its compounded by their professional acumen in the business world being highly suspect, too. Name me one outstanding social, or business, policy thing they have done, EVER? Theirs, their entire life, is a fools-gold gilded sphere of mediocrity. Always has been, and always will be. This is their nature.
The heights the family has attained with the job of POTUS has nothing to do with their abilities, and everything to do with the sheer level of exasperation the American people have had with the overall state of politics and inequalities that exist in this country. It's simply unfortunate that the expression of that exasperation was founded in a man, and his family, completely inept for the job. So it goes.
John~
American Net'Zen
7
The government is in a mess as it seems like no one knows what they are doing including the president. Policy is confused, and important agency positions haven’t been filled. None of this would have occurred had Hillary been elected as she had the experience and has the brains to get things organized and accomplished. Her defeat was tragic for our country.
10
Many years ago in my hometown there was a rich son of a wealthy businessman who had a big paycheck and no real job. At one point his duty was to pick up the mail. After repeatedly picking up the mail and going to his mistress' house, or to a bar, or just forgetting to deliver it back at the office, he was stripped of that duty as well. Employees would cringe when he showed up but even that became boring for the son. So he was told to take care of the family ranch and few people saw him again. The cattle were probably not happy
3
This is rearranging the deck chairs on a doomed ship.
Whoever works for Trump by definition has malignant motives for our country.
7
“There was honestly never a time when I contemplated getting rid of Jared and Ivanka,”
It is revealing whenever honesty is pointed out as an exception to the rule.
5
What boggles the imagination is how complicit the Press has been in propping up Dumb and Dumber. All Jared and Ivanka did was take a page from "Being There" and mumble truisms like Chance Gardner and the Press willing created the impression that they were more competent than the other "most qualified people" running around the White House. In fact, they are the most pernicious of all Trump's advisors since they enable him within and without the White House. It's about time the press goes after these two before they fade away from their stress and anxiety until all that remains is the faint glow of a Cheshire smile.
5
This is what a collapsing empire looks like.
Trump’s election without even a plurality of the popular vote exposed the bankruptcy of the American political system. The problem is that all of the institutions that are supposed to act as a check on presidential irresponsibility are almost just as compromised. Congress is gerrymandered. The GOP stole a Supreme Court seat. The Democrats and the news media are just as beholden to the same pack of thieving billionaires. Elections go to the highest bidder.
Our kleptocratic ruling class know that the party is over and are determined to push through the biggest tax cut for themselves that they can before exiting the premises with whatever loot they can carry.
In the long run, the end of American global hegemony will be a good thing. In the short run, though chaos will reign.
10
The rapid rise of Kushner is a troubling reflection of the power of wealth, especially in New York. He is not unique; there are hundreds of rich young people who have had everything pre-planned for them: prep school, Ivy League, top notch jobs in Wall Street, Real Estate or Top Corporations. Too many lack real talent or emotional intelligence, and they certainly do not want those who "have more" around them. They lack social understanding or true pathos for the greater problems facing society. But do we speak of the father, or the son-in-law?
9
"At one point this fall, a scenario circulated in which Ms. Trump could replace Nikki R. Haley as ambassador to the United Nations if Ms. Haley replaced Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson."
One can easily picture conversations in the White House that would not be out-of-place in a 'House of Cards' script - even the more outrageous ones.
Every government of countries with a liberal democracy are thanking the Trump administration for making them look good by just showing up and doing basic government business.
5
Thoughtful Americans are waiting expectantly for the approaching total eclipse of the son-in-law. It can't come soon enough for me.
3
It seems to me that one needs to start with Trump himself who is an outsider to Washington and understandably does not trust politicians of either party. He chose whom he thought would be loyal to him and hopefully capable at doing their job. That made for a small pool of candidates. Jared Kushner filled the bill. I don't see that he is much better or worse than most of the others in high level positions in this administration. I imagine if Sarah Palin was president we might have a similar scenario
2
He (John Kelly) also said the Office of American Innovation, run by Mr. Kushner, had demonstrated its value, noting that he had recently sent some members of its team to Puerto Rico to report back on conditions on the hurricane-ravaged island.
Only in the Trump White House would conditions on a hurricane-ravaged island be reported by the "Office of American Innovation."
I guess when any concern is shown about people that aren't part of Trumps' s base, it is, indeed, an innovation!
5
Kushner and Ivanka Trump " were at times so discouraged by their brief White House careers — and their shrinking social circle — that they would leap at a chance to gracefully return to New York."
Now they realise that doing a good job for the country isn't exactly a bed of roses. Fortunately there are sensible people like Kelly in the White House who keep them in check. They have to follow rules and laws and can't do what they want. They might even regret working for Trump, should he fall from grace one day.
Moaning a "shrinking social circle" is still manageable, but losing all the goodwill that is so intrinsically linked to their business brands could be disastrous.
23
Kelly is just as craven as Trump, albeit more able to control his impulses.
2
Silly boy. Rules and laws are for other people to follow. Money will get you out of any problem, don't you know?
I give my patented Trump-Sponsored-Spin-of-the-Week-Award to Jason Miller. Well done. Clearly Jared Kushner only needs more babysitting-free, uninterrupted, big-picture time and everything will work out swell. Generally speaking, these are terms only reserved for bosses' children who are at best collecting paychecks without doing anything. At worst, well, I don't wish to speculate. Every time we think the Trump family has hit rock bottom, we find a new quantumly implausible low.
Meanwhile, I have a special violin reserved only for socially clustered nepotists facing bankruptcy while currently under federal investigation. Allow me to blow the dust off. It's been awhile since I've played. Perhaps a Rachmaninov violin concerto in some low key? Maybe I should just save the time and start playing "Oh Danny Boy" on a fiddle. The pipes are calling Kushner. Flowers are gone and 'tis you that must go.
62
The demotion of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump and the limiting of their powers is good for the country. It can't happen soon enough.
Afterall, it was Jared Kushner and his tremendous hubris, ignorance of the law and incompetence that had him convince his father in law, Mr. Trump, that firing FBI Director James Comey would bury all of Trump's problems with the Russian investigations. Mr. Kushner stupidly believe that the President could run the country like a Mafia Don.
Key question for Mr. Kushner: how has his interviews with Robert Mueller gone thus far? I'm sure Mr. Kushner is making his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, work for every penny of his retainer.
43
Jared Kusher is yet another of too many dots connecting the Trump campaign and Russians. In fact there are so many dots next to one another that no connecting needs be made.
Manafort, Flynn, Kushner, Papadopoulos, Gates, Donald Jr. and the list gets longer every week.
Thank you Mr. Mueller for draining the Trump Swamp.
60
What a sad joke, the fact I get to read this. The day favoured sons of a dysfunctional oligarchy take charge ( I know it's an age old problem), is the day I retreat to watching the Disney classic "The Socereer's Apprentice" forever. America save yourself! There is more to life than infotainment. Richie Rich hasn't the skill set to save us. so it is up to us, (with General Kelly running interference).
24
I was very saddened to hear of Kelly's neutering of Kushner. Can you imagine what could have been achieved if Kelly, apparent control-freak that he is just because he is in charge, had not put the brakes on Kushner and allowed this emerging talent, nay, boy-genius, free rein to tackle the really big issues confronting the world today. So much god-given talent, so much experience, so much promise - all that is now lost to us and the world is poorer for it. I guess we'll just have to contend ourselves with his solving the Israel-Palestine conflict and, as for the rest, imagine what could have been . . .
34
Trumpery.
So I guess the Israelis and the Palestinians are best buds now; the opioid epidemic is just a distant memory; the Office of American Innovation has done all the innovating that can be innovated; everything's cool with Mexico now, no need for the wall; everything's cool with China now, no need for tariffs; the VA has been fully "reimagined" and is now perfect (in his imagination?); criminal justice is now reformed, all fixed, no problems there now. Am I forgetting anything? He’s in charge of a LOT of things! America certainly seems great again.
30
"According to three advisers to the president"; "according to one person familiar with the conversations"; "One person familiar with the questioning, who asked not to be identified "; "according to some colleagues"; "To some, that suggested he did not get it"; "Some friends said"; "a scenario circulated"; "Others in the couple’s orbit, however, said"; "a key business partner recently declared"
Somehow I am troubled by an article with this many unnamed sources.
13
You ought to be troubled that so many people near to the administration are willing to speak about these things. Do you not believe what is being said? I trust the NY Times on this. What disturbs me is when the President says "Trust me!"
"Steve" from New York says he mistrusts anonymous sources. How does he feel about kvetchy anonymous crítics of some of the best reporters in the world?
Well, the writer could certainly name them, ending their value as sources forever.
Deep Throat was an unnamed source.
Jareds’ voice lacking in gravitas, both literally and figuratively, also seems to lack soul.
28
Indeed, indeed. If one could pick a defining word to describe the entire Trump cabal it may well be soulless.
1
Forget that, just tell me who does his eyebrows!
The thing is, he is careful to hide his voice, so as ( almost) never to have his opinions caught on record. He may be ignorant, arrogant and unskilled, but he is canny enough to realize that his position is predicated on - first, never stealing the spotlight from Trump; and two, never letting the public know what he thinks. Probably never having a record that can be used against him, as well. So let's add cowardice: he wants to have influence without ever having to defend a position.
I am not well-spoken or educated like the New York Times selections, nor as intelligent. However, I do believe there is a simple and relevant question of the highest importance. What, other than nepotism, qualifies Jared Kushner for any position in the White House, and more importantly, allow him to retain a security clearance? I am baffled that his cruelty to the so-called "regular" people whilst in real estate allows them to continue to hold him in such high regard, although the same can be said for Mnuchin, who would make Ebeneezer Scrooge appear generous.
60
And let's not forget one additional reason for throwing Jared out of the White house (And into a dank and dreary jail):
This paper published reports, a few months ago, which said that Jared told Russians that he wanted to be able to communicate with people in Russia from Russian facilities, in the U.S., so he could be certain, or almost certain, that United States intelligence agencies (The CIA, the NSA, etc.) would not be able to listen to his communications with Russia.
And let's not forget something else: His Father was put in prison for his illegal practices in becoming a millionaire realtor. Sometimes, the old adage, like father like son, has more than a kernal of truth.
38
And we know about that attempt to circumvent our intelligence services from the Russian Ambassador. It is on tape.
Like father-in-law, like son-on-law.
Kushner's other job was of course to leak rumors about MacMaster's and Tillerson's imminent exits from the scene because their focus is American national interest.
9
the WALL is starting to crumble before it is even started..
17
They moved out of Soho, so now they can do the same, and move out of DC. Bu-bye.
Why does Jared have a security clearance?
34
Jared's father wants him to stay in the White House because he thinks the minute his son turns his back it will magnetically start attracting knives? WOW. Circling in orbit around planet Trump is like circling a black hole. Or circling the drain.
But this article's a priori assumption may not be credible, that one stable astronaut does exist, John Kelly. While at the same time it paints Kelly as sort of a decaffeinated Steve Banon light: "Jared works for me." There happen to be a couple of things I like about the Trumpeter black swan, and one of them is how he brooks no eclipse of his own astronomical hubris by the cheap asteroid belt that surrounds him. John is no Donald John, and we wait with baited breath for that sweet ratings sweep moment when Trump turns to Kelly and booms "You're fired!" Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of fellas.
10
good fellas, too.
Let's get real . . . just for a minute. The real reason Jared and Ivanka have all but disappeared is that there is very good reason to believe that Robert Mueller is far along in the process of gathering evidence that could send Jared, certainly, and Ivanka, quite possibly to jail. Jail based on conviction for crimes committed in New York City--beyond federal jurisdiction, and beyond a Trump pardon. OK? Now you can go back to spinning more fairy tales about their important work on the international scene.
34
Do you think that Kushner is actually competent to carry out his role in the White House?
Why are we surprised? Kelly respects knowledge and ability, Trump does not.
Loyalty to Trump is all that matters; the sort of ignorant, incurious, self aggrandizing loyalty that criminals and dictators require and demand. As this becomes obvious to more people, they are removed or quit. Eventually the circle shrinks until it is merely ... one ... dot . . .
Of course Jared and Ivanka will escape with vastly improved finances, but are they so walled off inside that they feel no shame? Sadly, in today's world, that is totally possible.
10
Question:
‘taken on a more proscribed role behind the scenes’
Proscribed means forbidden or condemned. Doesn’t the journalist mean prescribed? Meaning restricted or defined?
7
I'm really, really looking forward to seeing little rich boy in an orange jumpsuit.
22
It certainly wouldn't bother me to see Kushner indicted and jailed. In fact, I might come to enjoy it. The whole inner-circle smacks of entitlement, all born on third base and thinking they hit back-to-back triples.
23
Jared will follow in his fathers footsteps, what a mensch!
12
"Reince Priebus ... posed a simple question to Jared Kushner: What would his newly created Office of American Innovation do? Mr. Kushner ... asked, 'What do you care?' He emphasized his point with an expletive."
This is it in a nutshell. If they could, Trump and his family would replace our democracy with a crude ignorant undemocractic secretive corrupt autocracy, run by and for the rich.
41
How terrible, because, of course, that great community organizer and his leftist dreams did so much for the country, what with denigrating business ("you didn't build that"), promoting entitlement ("no one working full time should live in poverty") and buying votes with other people's money (Obamacare).
What about Nixon! and Hoover! Don't forget John Quincy Adams, he must have done something wrong that precludes any discussion of your Lord Trump.
Can't he just go back to running the family real estate business into the ground and ruining the New York Observer?
23
Someone I know is staying at one of Jared's NJ hotels this weekend. The hot water hasn't worked for the past two days. If jared has less to do in the White House, maybe he can help get the hot water going again.
19
I thought by now he would have brought peace to the Middle East, "we're lucky to have him". I mean, like, how much time does he need?
11
Teach Kushner to wash dishes, clean toilets, rake leaves, and scrub floors. That will be the only meaningful work this scion and grafter has ever done in his miserable life.
26
Jared's few accomplishments: brokered a phone conversation between Mexico's President and Trump, Xi Jinping meeting with Trump, Trump's first trip to Saudi Arabia etc. We are still waiting for the results of Mexico call, the Xi Jinping meetings but the Saudi meetings are looking like utter failure as the M.B.S. factor has created another nightmare for the US foreign policy specialists. The creation of Saudi Israeli nexus doesn't bode well for the US. Pitting extremist Sunni Muslims against Iran again do not bode well for US as according to the CIA world fact book the majority of population in the Persian Gulf, where we do have bulk of the oil is primarily Shia Muslims. It is this lack of understanding of regional affairs by the inner circle of trump Administration that really scares me more than having Son in law and daughter in the white house. The sooner he is indicted the better for the US it shall be.
9
Maybe Jared will get indicted and flip on Trump in order to avoid jail time. If it results in Trump going to jail Jared will get the Medal
Of Honor. Do it.
America is not a family business. It should not have been under the Kennedy's. It should but be under the Trump's.
10
At least John and Bob were thoughtful, competent, strategic, and learned from their mistake at Bay of Pigs. We’re all still here post Oct. 1962. I shudder to think what would have happened with the current administration in charge.
The only thing surprising about this whole thing is that Jared hasn’t bought a yacht with tax payers money.
11
The Kushners will each resign after the year is up and they conceivably have high level administration access. Their worth are is to be the President's eyes and ears and advise them as trusted family members, perhaps eve reign in some of the behavior that the Presidents exhibits from time to time. Jared has been bitten by a few dogs already and now probably fears the bigger dogs coming have him in their sights, in the form of the special prosecutor?
6
Jared Kushner has as much of a chance as anyone (as does my cat) to gain peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. If he fails, So what? Then it's back to business as usual.
7
Jared will be most fortunate should he escape unscathed from the White House.
I see him as an unwitting victim of the Trump bubble of chronic ineptitude.
#45 continually has pumped hot air into the bubble by ceaselly talking about Jared as a wunderkind.
Innovation in government?
The Middle East quest for peace?
Too bad that #45 doesn't read.
He could certainly learn something about fools if he turned to Isaac Bashevis Singer's children's stories entitled "The Wise Men of Chelm."
Singer reminds us that these "wise" men portended to know everything and anything.
But in the end Singer characterized these so-called "wise men" as utter fools.
That might well be history's judgement for #45
And the same goes for Jared.
7
Jared a victim? As in willing victim? An adult who has a grudge against government for his father's prosecution and convictions, and who regards his inherited wealth as a sign that he is smarter than others, despite disastrous self-directed 'investments,' who enters government by the backdoor ( his favorite entrance) in hopes of achieving personal retribution has only himself and his greed to account for any comedown.
This crew of rich know-nothings make us the laughing stock of the world. And we deserve it.
Hope those who voted for this disgrace got what they wanted.
23
Unfortunately I can only agree with you. I thought it would take a year for the US to become the laughing stock but Trump got there in 3 weeks! I don’t say that in a goading way, more with great sadness and the problem is becoming exponential!
2
Dabblers. Is that what is needed in the Office of President. Thankfully Gen Kelly has this one well in hand.
2
Kushner: “I always thought, 'Will I go into the business, or will I not go into the business?'
But when my father got arrested [& imprisoned], I really didn't have a choice.”
Feb 1, 2014: Jared Kushner’s interview with “The Real Deal”, regarding his father’s imprisonment. Charles Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering & illegal campaign donations.
5
Jared will be lucky to stay out of jail.
8
But of course, Jack of all trades and master of none Jared is an empty shell with nothing concrete inside.
11
Gotta love that address: 666 5th Ave. The mark of the beast. Seven heads. 10 horns. That sounds about right for a Trumpian enterprise, even if Jared is so only by marriage.
Jared, like his daddy-in-law, is not a self-made man...contrary to his own estimation of himself. Married to the woman his father-in-law would have dated if could have gotten away with it, he is the scion of one loser-in-life, and the scion-in-law of an even bigger failure, when success is measured by any yardstick that does not use degree of wealth as its currency.
13
On August 18, 2014, Kushner acquired a three-building apartment portfolio in Middle River, Maryland, for $38 million with Aion Partners.
In 2013–2014, he and his company acquired more than 11,000 units throughout New York, New Jersey, and the Baltimore area.
In May 2015, he purchased 50.1% of the Times Square Building from Africa Israel Investments Ltd. for $295 million.
In May 2015, Kushner purchased a majority stake of One Times Square for $295 million.
At age 25, Kushner purchased the New York Observer.
Go ahead and make fun of him.
2
Impressive. But not too many people know he earned the money for those investments on his paper route. Jared Kushner is amazing.
1
You are easily mislead, like most Trump supporters. Buying stuff with other people’s money? We are supposed to think he is a smart and talented leader because of this?
3
purchases made with money from Chinese 'investors' effectively buying visas.
3
As more smarmy details are revealed through ongoing investigations, I can only imagine that Jared and Ivanka will rue the day dad elected to get elected.
Their financial woes will become headlines and the headlines will become bottom lines as the family slowly sinks into financial ruin.
9
Oh, yeah, that's exactly what Puerto Rico needs right now: More DC apparatchiks filing a report on how bad the situation is. Even W realized after Katrina that it was more important to try to help the region than study it.
6
When Mr. Trump came to Washington, he believed that the way to "drain the swamp" was to run the Executive Branch like his privately held business, where he puts his trust in family members. Wife #1, for example, whose previous experience was limited to skiing, became a vice-president, head of Trump Castle, and then the Plaza.
I'm old enough to remember when JFK caught flak for a brother heading Justice & a brother-in-law the Peace Corp. As far as I know, none of Ike's, Nixon's, LBJ's, Ford's, Carter's, Reagan's, Clinton's or the Bush's relatives were involved in the highest echelons of government.
3
Bob Kennedy more than proved himself an effective advisor.
Ivanka Trump as UN Ambassador? I laughed out loud. The same seat once held by diplomats like Richard Holbrooke, Madeleine Albright, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Andrew Young and Samantha Power? This idea doesn’t come close to holding water. How embarrassing if it were true.
28
I shudder at the thought, but, sorry to say, with this administration, anything is possible.
As well as providing Adult Supervision to the neophytes within the District of Criminals, making Order out of Chaos is something senior Marine Officers are well-capable of doing.
If there's no system, they'll make one and provide Discipline as well.
1
He was not "paid" but he did get an office, staff, official travel and Secret Service protection. So, yes, he was a huge drain on taxpayers. And he has accomplished what exactly? I think probably less than my cleaning lady. Kelly's comments about his "contributions" show once again that the four-star general is nothing more than another yes man desperately trying to keep his job. Hopefully Kushner will go back to doing whatever it was he did and Ivanka will go back to selling handbags on QVC.
20
Jared Kushner has zero qualifications to hold any position in the White House, and in a disturbing demonstration of his utter unsuitability for the "job" he hasn't been heard asking anyone with experience in the White House for advice--just like Trump, Tillerson et alia.
Nepotism practically defines banana republics--we can't go on kidding ourselves that things will work out.
18
You give Kelly too much credit. He's a cowardly enabler like the rest of them and his once sterling reputation is forever tarnished. Rip off his medals and consign him to the dustbin of history along with the rest of Trump's coterie.
25
Jared Kushner has a questionable security clearance. Without that clearance, he cannot be in the Oval Office.
7
Neither Jared nor Ivanka are qualified for the positions they hold. They're there purely due to 45's unbridled nepotism & dream of turning the United States into one big Trump brand. And, as long as we're mentioning unqualified, did I mention 45 himself?
15
I think he should stay--as a living reminder that we no longer live in a true meritocracy.
5
I thought from the start of the Trump administration that Jared and Ivanka should self-deport back to New York. It is very unlikely either will get anything done in Washington. Like Trump, they don't have relevant knowledge or experience. Trump will drown their marriage in his swamp of chaos. Neither of them is having any moderating effect on Trump, apparently.
12
I'm just insulted that Trump thinks so little of this country that he would install his kids in posts they have no experience in. Kushner's a realtor, for goodness sakes, what does he know about obtaining peace in the Middle East. It's still my theory that these Trumps are only in it for themselves, using govt resources to soften up whoever they see as future business contacts. How in the world could people have fallen for this scam?
13
Jared is very new to all of this; however, the US has never had better relations with Israel and Saudi Arabia, in spite of the campaign rhetoric the US hasn't had a better relationship with China, and Jared is the party who has kept open the dialogue between the US and Mexico by working overtime with Nieto.
2
I have a lovely bridge to sell you.
In human history the the dynamic duo of nepotism and treasure has always existed and its numerous standard bearer's failure to possess the necessary gravitas guaranteeing continued financial success has proven to be sustainable fuel for great storytelling throughout the centuries.
Add power with a capital P to that equation, while subtracting intelligence and factoring-in a collective ignorance, and historically things usually start to get ugly, at least in the medium term. No, history most likely will not be kind but, at the very least, should first offer a tight-lipped laugh and a head shake to those paying attention.
The elephant in the room remains the current mindset of a large portion of the population of The United States of America.
Please stay tuned.
3
Jared's idea of technology innovation is to put the US government back on Kaspersky software security. I don't think he should get within a million yards of our security.
5
Other than hobnob with Netanyahu and be snubbed by the Palestinians, what has Kushner done for Israel-Palestinian peace? Where is his team, what are his milestones, and what is his policy? Silence.
Would it really be a surprise to later learn that he was actually negotiating real estate deals for himself or his father in law? Perhaps a Trump hotel, or a percentage on the Israeli settlement construction deals?
6
I do not think any advice to President Trump last even for a day, even by a close family member, and they are in trouble by their reasons of the past. Keeping them out with many others is the only way to keep this insane man in power for little longer. These family members & some associates are already in trouble for their past association with Trump's political rise to such a high level.
1
Its a great story about character, about looks, riches or connections that cant replace it. Given this amazing opportunity, it could have been easy for this seemingly attractive couple to win over the country, but they lack character and they're selfish which basically contradicts the whole reason of working in government. They basically don't get it and in fact they're not very smart. So what is the value of all this money? if you buy the world's stage only to flunk on it.
8
Good observations, yet the Kushner's real tragic flaws are that they are adverse to listening and from considering many points of view. The Kushner's never knew it all, and this is being exhibited every week they are in DC.
Government success does NOT happen at private dinner parties in Kalorama.
You buried the lede:
"But Mr. Kushner’s push for technological advances is hobbled by a lack of permanent officials to carry out policy changes at the agency level. The White House has failed to name chief information officers for nine major agencies, including Defense, Treasury and Homeland Security. Even the federal chief information officer is only an acting official, and the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy is largely a ghost town."
Quite apart from Kushner's absolute lack of experience or intellectual preparation for his ill defined roll, this administration can't even round up or see the need for qualified people to fill important positions. In fact, it's doing real damage to our government. How many decades of institutional knowledge and real expertise are being driven away over at State while Kushner prances around in the Middle East.
11
The fact that Mr. Kushner has continually had to revise and resubmit federal disclosure forms because of major omissions shows that he either has an extraordinarily awful memory for a 36-year-old or is a dissembler of rare ineptitude. Yet he is deemed qualified to have a highly prominent office in the West Wing of the White House.
He also doesn't appear to be familiar with the mythological tale of Icarus. But before the investigation into Russian interference in the American political process is completed, it's quite likely that he'll know it by heart.
Perhaps the saddest aspect of his misadventures while flying so high above his level of competence is the possibility of going to prison. Given that he and Ivanka Trump have three very young children, he must wonder if this power trip has in any way been worth it.
11
The de facto principal projects of the Trump family are (a) self-dealing and (b) avoiding indictments from the Mueller investigation. The cruel Republican policies and the destruction for destruction's sake are just so much unavoidable fallout.
"Reince Priebus ... posed a simple question to Jared Kushner: What would his newly created Office of American Innovation do? Mr. Kushner ... asked, 'What do you care?' He emphasized his point with an expletive."
That in a nutshell describes the situation. This is a TV administration. Kushner's TV role includes his portfolios. In the real world, any actual accomplishment is unlikely due to incompetence, inexperience, and corruption.
4
So...Kushner runs around like a chicken without a head (or talks like one) while the so-called President spends his time concerned about NFL players taking a knee and whether or not Time magazine is really considering him for person of the year.
Our Executive branch may collapse, but, hey, thanks Jared for the comedy gold that came out of the pictures in the flak jacket.
6
Instead of the evasive and arrogant "what do you care?" reply of Kushner to Priebus about what Kushner actually did, the latter could have more accurately responded, "What does it matter?"
With critical administrative leaders lacking within not just IT but also the State Department and whatever agency should have been staffing those do-nothing councils, what does it, in fact, matter what Kushner does? He has no government experience and no experience either advising or otherwise working with public entities.
This consigliere doesn't know what to do and apparently has no experts to help. Let him keep working at his government ethics' forms until he approaches the truth. Then again, maybe his untruthfulness is what qualifies him in the Trump administration.
It's ridiculous for Kushner backers to assert he did well by sending an IT team to Puerto Rico to report back on conditions. The island territory has had scant electricity, potable water, food or other supplies with which to reboot any electronic systems or devices any time soon. Also, since FEMA and the military had already sent leaders and staff, pray tell what the son-in-law could offer.
Finally, no way did Kushner fire Bannon and Flynn. Trump has proven aplenty he can fire anyone by losing patience with, losing control of or deciding he can't get away with keeping on such clowns. Since now the President has Kelly, perhaps they could jettison some more risky, dead weight -- and yet another loser.
4
I agree with many, many comments that 'Boy-wonder' Kushner, is over his head, extremely inexperienced and most likely has a pair of dirty hands in his involvement in meetings with Russians, Donald Jr. and others at Trump Tower before the November 2016 elections. Hopefully, Special Council Mueller will nail him. Then, he needs to be locked up.
9
Kushner won't get locked up as his father in law will pardon him. Sickening.
I always chuckle to myself when folks preface their remarks with "honestly" or "to be honest". Does that mean they are usually dishonest? Sure enough, there is General Kelly in the article "honestly" providing his view on the role of Jared and Ivanka. Good for him!
3
It's just a sick joke and major insult to think that any one person alone can bring about peace in the Middle East let alone Jared Kushner. Jared Kusher is not only someone who is without experience but without the capacity to understand the complexity of the Middle East. And that really goes back to Trump. He's got a simple mind, so all of his "solutions" are simple and myopic.
5
He [Kelly] also said the Office of American Innovation, run by Mr. Kushner, had demonstrated its value, noting that he had recently sent some members of its team to Puerto Rico to report back on conditions on the hurricane-ravaged island--talk about a waste of taxpayer money! Wasn't FEMA reports enough for the US government to know how to respond appropriately to the disaster in this US territory?
Kushner the Rasputin in Trump's circle was one of the most influential people in the administration. He has been called someone who "enjoys power" with Trump his political corrupt father in law. Boy Wonder always had far to much on his plate and too little real political or diplomatical experience to ever make a real difference. Some credit towards his way with steps to modernize the government's aging technology and computer infrastructure.
1
It's hard to predict what President Trump will do. He's extremely non-traditional, highly impulsive, incredibly devious and dishonest, and perhaps not entirely sane. But based on what we do know of Trump, I am going to express my hunch regarding what will happen to Kushner.
President Trump very highly prizes loyalty - fake loyalty based on devotion to him. Loyalty flowing downhill from him, he has dozens of times shown he has no use for. Jared has repeatedly shown himself to be ineffective, and he has already been caught in a number of crimes that we know about such as lying repeatedly on his security application. Trump, who loves to snarl out "You're fired!" will drop him at some point. And Ivanka is not even enough of a person to merit attention.
3
There is no concern for anyone but themselves, their public image, their net worth, their FICO score. This administration is vacuous and amoral. I pray that our country survives.
2
Ivanka replacing Halley at the UN would make sense. So far, she's the one single solid high-level appointment he's made since taking office.
1
We believe President Trump and his relatives are doing a fine job of running the U.S. government. With President Trump we see big changes coming to the middle east and the relationships the Trump has with Russia should assure peace throughout the presidents administration.
1
As usual with the extended trump clan it's hard to tell which is the overriding personal character flaw behind the action... was it greed, hubris, or stupidity that allowed the "president" to give this particular know-nothing the complex portfolio of domestic and international issues? Was it greed, hubris, or stupidity that allowed this empty sock-in-law to imagine he was capable of handling any, not to mention, all of it?
Actually, with this clan, it is usually a potent combination of all those flaws that animates them. We can only hope that the same combo of flaws leads to the eventual excision of these human canker sores from the body politic at the hands of Mr. Mueller and his investigators.
1
I am dumbfounded by the level of vitriol in these comments. It goes beyond rational dislike. It is demonization. One would think that there is nothing good to be said about Jared Kushner, that he has not a single redeeming quality.
It is disappointing and frightening.
1
Feel free to name the single redeeming quality. Nice eyebrows?
1
FWS, read this article regarding the VA. Also, any Orthodox Jew who can even set foot in Saudi Arabia, much less converse well into the night with its ascendent crown prince, has my respect. Feel free to concoct a conspiracy theory about his bailing Kushner out financially in return for military aid, but I think it was otherwise.
His visibility will be more greatly reduced when he is in prison. Looking forward to news of his indictment for any variety of white collar crimes. People this unsavory - meaning the Trump clan - should have never stepped into the public spotlight. How naïve of them to think no one would notice their unscrupulous business dealings.
2
I'm really not sure what the point of this article is. Kushner was an important advisor to Trump early on. He understood the ground swell of support/dissatisfaction and was able to harness that in a away the helped bring DJT into office. Trump has since had to address the more mundane aspects of running a federal government. He needs professionals for that which is why he brought n Kelly. It would follow then that a non-professional like Kushner would either accept a lesser profile and focus on ancillary projects, or declare that his mission has been accomplished and return to his own professional life. So far he seems to have chosen the former, but the alternative may become more and more appealing to him. None of this is counterintuitive in the least so again I'm not sure what the writers are going for here other than click-bait for The Resistance.
1
Oh yeah. The first person I think of as a regular guy man-of-the-people, is Jared.
Kushner's job absolutely must shrink. Trump handed off many of the responsibilities of the president's office to this inexperienced, unvetted person of questionable character and a history of lying or omitting required information. Furthermore, the appointment of Kushner and Ivanka Trump remains highly unusual and suspect simply because they are close members of the president's family and have no apparent relevant experience, skill, or cause for respect beyond that one should give to a regular citizen. I would like to see both of them removed from their positions of power, stripped of all security clearances, and returned to unremarkable civilian life without special access, favors, opportunities, or business connections.
4
"The president’s affections are fickle..."
But predictable. Trump ends up betraying and then attacking everyone who is not a paid employee. Employees are paid only as long as necessary, which means that only lawyers have any reasonable chance at a previously agreed to outcome.
1
Someone with an ounce of self-awareness would have said to his father-in-law:
"I'm deeply flattered, but I'm not qualified for any of the positions or responsibilities you're offering to me. Perhaps at some future time, but certainly not now. I'm sure you can find plenty of others with the necessary experience and qualifications."
1
As one senator said "Jared and Ivanka are irrelevant but think they're special." I just hope Jared gets the same treatment as any average schlub who has constantly given the Feds a stack of bald-face lies.
3
The big question here is, what is Kushner doing now that he is seemingly impotent in the White House? His Company has a $1.2 Billion note due shortly. They do not have the cash to make it good. His partner, Vornado (stock down 11% in this high market) has Shareholders to answer to, yes even Steven Roth has a boss. Vornado secured that debt and could take 666 5th Avenue out from under Kushner Co. if Kushner Co is unable to secure another partner to take on the debt.
So, again, What is Kushner doing if his exit strategy is in the works? My bet is that he might be using his foreign meetings and contacts to shop the debt on 666 5th Avenue... maybe, just a little? His sister was caught red handed floating influence over Visas to potential Chinese investors, if you recall. Could Kushner be offering something similar to Saudis? Chinese? Russians? Again, if his exit strategy is a move back to New York and re-assumption of the Kushner Co thrown, he will be greeted at the Airport by Steven Roth. whom I am certain will be smiling.
54
He's just following in his father-in-law's footsteps. Donald Sr. once owned two of the most valuable properties in the world. The Plaza Hotel sits at the most expensive corner in NYC. And he astoundingly owned the entire area of the Far West Side from the 50s to the 70s. He took a bath when he was forced to sell both because he couldn't service the debt. Today, both properties are worth literally BILLIONS more than Trump got for them.
2
Jared and Ivanka will soon miss their lives in NY and move back for the sake of their family. There will be much fanfare about their contributions.
34
Does he still have a security clearance?
I definitely wouldn’t leave my car keys with him.
59
Time and again, trump has shown that he is incapable of assembling anything but hacks, partisans, and those with very limited vision. jared is just one more example of a trump appointee who is in over his head, an amateur on the world stage. Not only am I NOT tired of winning yet, I am sickened by every single one of the trump clan who are working so hard to make America anything but great.
60
It appears the competence eventually trumps even family connections and loyalty to Trump. Jared may by in a 'super' job, but if he's incapable of getting anything done, eventually the organization will wall him off like a grain of sand in an oyster, he'll be a pearl without price, but only a small irritation in the overall organization. Perhaps Jared would be better off, and certainly our country will be better off, if he goes back to turning his unique talents (and many family connections) to real estate. As long as he stays out of jail...
13
Just one more piece of evidence how completely inept & incapable the Trumpster truly is. To assign so many diverse and impossible tasks to one person underscores Trump gross deficiencies. It comes as no surprise that Trump's had repeated business failures and is knee in debt to the Russians. What the Russians were incapable of doing with billions in arms, they succeeded with Facebook on the cheap and that is undermining America.
Here is how this plays out. The Dems will rout the next election. Ryan will no longer be speaker so the dems can impeach Trump & Pence and return some sense of order to our country. The question is, will we survive 14 months?
41
You assume Schneiderman at Mueller's wink and nod will not be ready to file criminal charges for money-laundering against Trump for more than a year? Highly doubt it - they have been combing the FinCEN records for half a year at least, and must have most of the dots and IOUs connected by now.
Kushner has had self interest and personal wealth as his agenda from the Trump start. Trump created that for Kushner and Ivanka. In the same breath as the first Chinese visit there was an immediate huge deal with the Chinese for Ivanka Trumps company to sell products to the huge population. After the visit Kushner immediately went to China pitching a huge Jersey City real estate deal to investors with the promise of expedited citizenship for investors and White House access. This is the conflict of interest and quid pro quo diplomacy of Trump. You invest in
family businesses and you’re a friend person and nation. He’s selling America for personal gain. The Saudi arms deal for an astronomical amount of money, brokered they say by Kushner would surely be tied to investments directly or through shells, LLCS or agents by the Saudis.
Russia, China and Ukraine are in deep to. You’d be blind to not expect that. Before, during and since the election Trump investors should be scrutinized for the conflict of interest and underlying illegal dealings. Kushner with national security clearance and Ivanka a federal employee doing business as family of Trump is terrible. Kelly is a huge disappointment and has lost a lot of the respect many Americans had for him. This Presidents and family and friends conflict of interest and the collaboration of the entire administration in obstruction of justice, emoluments clause violations and the clear goal of “we are getting rich” doing business.
33
These guys couldn't manage the Toledo Mudhens. Seriously, out here in the hinterland, we are waiting with bated breath for the great unmasking!
31
I'm concerned, I was counting on Jared to broker a peace solution in the Middle East and to take the lead on diplomacy with China!
17
Kelly won’t have to supervise Kushner’s much longer. Soon he’ll be spending his time trying to figure out a way to stay out of prison.
25
This is just more of the same. Trump talks big (he's saving jobs, he's penalizing companies that move jobs overseas, he's tearing up NAFTA for the good of the US ...) but at the end of the day, it all goes nowhere. This guy had as much chance of getting a Mid East peace agreement as we all have of winning the lottery.
Just another blow of hot air from Trump that turns into nothing.
24
It doesn't all go nowhere, it goes in the pocket of the top 1%, getting richer off the bottom 99%.
1
Amateur hour at the White House is further exposed- 5-6 hours with the President every day in the early days? Who elected Kushner, anyway? Time will show how not only deeply ineffective this administration was and will continue to be, but also how incredibly corrupt and morally bankrupt it is as well. I cringe to think how he is actually making Nixon look like a choir boy.
25
Trump and his team are rather good at breaking things that they don't know or care how to put back together. Like the courts, taxes, the economy, health insurance, immigration policy, environmental laws. A rare talent for destruction.
1
Of all of the projects my Kushner might undertake none would be more foolhardy than attempting to negotiate a peace between Israel and Palestine. Please go back to the real estate business.
20
Had Hillary won and given Chelsea a big portfolio, imagine the (rightful) cries of nepotism that would go up.
137
Well, Marc, actually, for the analogy to hold.
3
If this scenario had taken place, the republicans would have already begun impeachment proceedings.
2
And I believe those cries of nepotism would have been as warranted with Mrs. Clinton and her daughter as they are today with Mr. Trump and his son-in-law. I thought John Kennedy appointing his brother as Attorney General was equally outlandish back then as well. Key positions in the White House should be filled with experience and background, not family ties or blood line.
1
Like all the other Trumps not very bright, poor judgment, bad instincts ( recommending canning Comey) and way in over his head. He reads his rare public statements showing that he is not confident with his communication skills. Got into Harvard on his fathers $250,000 donation and some recommendation letters from politicians his father knew. Overall he like his wife are heavy hitter wannabes who should head back to Manhattan.
65
And it is hilarious that their friends in NYC have disappeared. The Kushners are persona non grata in those circles now because of their association with 45.
Ivanka Trump as Ambassador to the United Nations? That's the most absurd thing I've ever read about this administration.
102
Doesn't even make my top ten.
24
The really hilarious part was the current ambassador assuming the role held by Tillerson.
2
Gee, ease up. It's not like they could get Eva Braun.
One cannot help but notice that unofficial White House technological advisor Peter Thiel appears to be of little assistance on the government's technological staff shortage. What has happened between Thiel and this administration - has he already given up on Trump? Thiel has also acquired citizenship to New Zealand. Better safe than sorry, I suppose.
If there exists an Office of American Innovation why is someone such as Elon Musk not running it rather than Jared Kushner?
28
The zeal of Thiel, I feel, was brought to heel.
28
I seem to recall that Elon Musk was on that short-lived tech advisor council that Trump wanted to have. I think the council disbanded itself, by its own initiative not long after it was started.
No, the CEOs started leaving in droves and POTUS disbanded them suddenly to try to save face.
2
Hopefully General Kelly will bring in a few more disciplined team members to bring more order and discipline to this mess. All of these policy efforts will go to waste with the merry go round that's been in place up until now.
3
what decent policy efforts?
Kelly is a deceptive thug. Remember his saber rattling revealing comment about the Press with his boss Trump?
Open mouth insert foot. He is skilled at little other than making conciliatory comments with a anti semites and racial bigots. Seems at home with trump bigotry, insults and treading on US Constitution.
Frightening trumpette travesty in WH for all Americans and the world, and Kelly is one of the puppet masters..
The writers and commentators of this piece misses the point. Jared and Ivanka Kushner were liberalizing influences for Trump- on immigration, LGBT rights, gun control, climate change. Kelly's pushing them out is- by design and to the relief of his base- moving Trump to a more solidified conservative agenda.
7
Their attempts to be a "liberalizing influence" have clearly failed. I fault Trump for that, not Kelly.
11
"Jared and Ivanka Kushner were liberalizing influences for Trump- on immigration, LGBT rights, gun control, climate change."
And given what has transpired during the past 10 months, you've given convincing proof that they're totally ineffective and should return to NYC and the ruins of their social life.
32
Jared is a great example of why vast amounts of money should not be past down between generations AND why legacy and donations to colleges shouldn’t influence admission to top tier schools.
93
I think the end is near for the Trump presidency. It is being brought down by their own incompetency.
58
But the GOP still seems to think Trump is their key to the big tax break that will make their campaign donors happy. Perhaps the GOP wants to impeach Trump because he has insulted practically every one of them, but the tax thing is more important to them.
1
Jared and Ivanka had no business being in the WH in the first place. They are o there to enrich themselves and placate daddy. Jared seems to be untrustworthy and devious. It has never been clear what he is/was supposed to be doing--but mostly, he seemed to serve at Trumps pleasure to secure financial deals that benefit the family.
38
The big D has gracefully side-stepped Time Man of the Year so the most deserving Jared Kushner can be nominated for the honor. All Jared's work this year speaks volumes of his laser like focus on middle east peace effort which friends and foe are now acknowledging openly.
12
This is a joke, right? It reads like a straight comment from a real Trump supporter. (Real cult member? Real paid partisan hack?) There is no connection between any aspect of this comment and reality. However, the conventional sentences are well-written, but completely irrelevant. Which is why it is so funny. It is a joke, isn't it?
Bernie writes:
"The big D has gracefully side-stepped Time Man of the Year so the most deserving Jared Kushner can be nominated for the honor. All Jared's work this year speaks volumes of his laser like focus on middle east peace effort which friends and foe are now acknowledging openly."
Jared Kushner is about to fall on the sword for The Trump family. There have been many laws broken by Trump's campaign team the only hope they have in escaping prosecution is the Rupublican controlled Congress. Thinking McConnell and Ryan were privy to Manafort's Russian connections. Truly party over country for the GOP.
12
RMB: with all due respect I believe Jared would be more likely to stab someone in the back than fall on a sword for anyone. Jared is all about Jared, that much is rather obvious. A more pompous, arrogant, less qualified fellow I don’t believe I’ve ever seen, although I admit he is a snappy dresser.
It was a sparkling absurdity to appoint a government neophyte to be a top advisor to an inexperienced president, but worst mistakes have been made. Really. I have always believed the title "The Best and the Brightest", about the men who took us deep into the Vietnam war, was intended as an ironic, not a literal, designation. People who get all "A"s at the toughest schools and high test scores do not necessarily know how to run the world, but, trusting that they might and having no apparent way roadtest others from other backgrounds, they are given high responsibilities again and again.
Being in government means never having to say you are sorry. Failure often only brings opportunities for more failure or, lacking that, the torch is passed to a new generation of highly educated fools.
The smartest people often develop grand theories about how the world should move and these theories often lead to mass death, disaster, wars and abandonment of ordinary people to dastardly fates. Oh, well. A new generation is even now entering Harvard to try again.
Kushner should have been given one big job to see if he could do it and, perhaps, his portfolio expanded from there. Henry Kissinger, the still surviving master of politics and international affairs, seemed to be laughing under his breath as Kushner ascended. I recall he compared it to Icarus flying too close to the sun. Dr. K should know since he helped our nation go deep into the mud and blood of Vietnam and to war crimes.
13
Kushner and Trump Junior are implicated in some of the same previously concealed meetings with Russians and will be asked to testify separately about what went on. I suspect they will each try to cast blame on the other. Both have overextended themselves in politics and business way beyond their experience level and face the possibility of criminal prosecution. A public indication of bad blood between them will become visible when their lawyers cease cooperating.
21
I have never seen in my life anyone that looked more lost than Jared in official pictures. He looked like he had no idea what he was doing there. And everything I have heard about his communications indicates the same thing: he is completely in over his head, and has no idea what he is doing.
53
Maybe Jared is like his father in law, so ignorant he doesn't know what he doesn't know. Things can seem simple to people like Trump, who have no clue what the messy details are.
3
Very weak speaking voice. Shows no confidence. Couldn't even be a platoon leader in the army.
I'm tired of journalists/commentators calling him a boy when he is in his mid-30s, as if he is too young to be responsible for his failings.
Hopefully his portfolio will end when his indictment is unsealed.
44
Trump is trying to get Jared away from the White House so he won't be perp-walked by the press corps always hanging there. Another great Trump plan, since of course noone will notice if Jared is taken down n New York City ; )
Trump's impact on the American condition will reverberate for generations.
It will be ages until other countries consider whether making a deal, any deal, with the United States is in their country's best interest.
Trump doesn't even want to live up to the terms of agreements with United States citizens, and has shown near zero interest in filling United States obligations with foreign powers with the exception of Russia.
Things weren't good for the average American before Trump. Until then it was a nation in decline.
It's clear Trump is Putin America First.
Trump is a kamikaze pilot.
Putin is his navigator.
20
Penetrating article by all. Trump’s is a mom-and-pop organization. He’ll appoint various family members to posts because he can control them, not because of their expertise. I know, I know, you Trump supporters love it.
The Kushners should bail:
“Some friends said Mr. Kushner and his wife were at times so discouraged by their brief White House careers — and their shrinking social circle — that they would leap at a chance to gracefully return to New York.”
But right, 666 Fifth Ave. is a problem for Jared’s father. Originally it was supposed to get Chinese funding. That failed due to Trump’s controversial administration. Had the Kushners distanced themselves from Trump at the beginning, 666 might have gotten the funds.
Jared Kushner has no concept of chain of command. Trump has none either. Gen. Kelly should understand that.
11
666 is the mark of the Beast. Somehow, appropriate
Wow... Kushner's impudence likely discourages WHadministration to challenge him. A display of insubordinate attitude stems from years of practice. Most likely
wasn't a "favorable boy" at Harvard and
primary school years. No wonder father-in-law wanted Ivan-Jar during the transitional and settling- in months DC.
4
Jared Kushner: Most likely to be named coffee boy of the year in 2018. I wonder if he’ll let Time do a photo shoot.
11
No you’re fantasy is absurd he’ll be rich and we will not
Jared is in way over his head. Worse, he doesn't realize that he should back away slowly from all of the global power he is dallying with. He is too naive to realize he is utterly clueless and he should get out of the media eye immediately. Stay completely low for three years. Let the accusations dissipate and the news cycles go on without him. Instead, there's Jared trying to look purposeful in front of the camera.
41
Jared Kushner's influence and duties have been reduced? Good! He has absolutely no experience in foreign affairs. If he disappears from the White House? What could be a better development? If he doesn't get snagged by the Mueller investigation, let him return to his shady private life. Maybe he can spend some time with his father and find out what it is like to spend time in jail.
54
Donald Trump becoming President of the United States will
eventually result in the ruination, personally and financially,
of Jared Kushner. He'll be but one of many.
79
Totally wrong. Trump and family are wealthier than when they arrived.
An indictment would be possible perhaps for various illegal doings.
Let's hope the American people aren't among them. And, that we, as a nation don't lose all of the gains made under President Obama. I found revisiting some of the 500 accomplishments and citations amazing and moving.
http://pleasecutthecrap.com/obama-accomplishments/
3
All Kushner has to do to bring peace to the middle east is have Trump tweet, "There is now peace in the middle east! A+ for me and Jared!" - It's been the solution to every other serious and intractable problem for the administration of the "Time Person Of The Year" so far, so why stop now?
37
A+ for Jared? Are you kidding?
Only the Donald ever gets an A+
And it's always huuuge !
"...the Office of American Innovation, run by Mr. Kushner, had demonstrated its value, noting that he had recently sent some members of its team to Puerto Rico to report back on conditions on the hurricane-ravaged island." Wow. Nothing that some pictures or video (from Puerto Rico) uploaded from an iPhone can't accomplish.
41
If he can do something good, not sell us out to Putin and his oligarchs, and not use his position to make deals and money for Trump Enterprises or the Kushner business, leave him alone. A lot of big ifs.
3
People who lie on their government security form, the SF-86, are not only denied security clearance, they are generally prosecuted for perjury. Such high level individuals in the Trump administration would appear to include Jeff Sessions, Michael Flynn, and, yes, Jared Kushner. Despite explicit warnings on the form about the requirement for full disclosure and the seriousness of perjury, all of them somehow forgot to disclose contacts with foreign individuals, namely high level Russian government officials or Russians closely affiliated with the government.
Kushner and the others may skate by security-form perjury charges, but their actions are a red flag about potential Russian collusion. They also expose themselves to Mueller's investigation and his much broader search for criminality. Kushner's declining 'visibility' in Washington is the least of his problems.
83
When Trump became President, we were told that Mattis, Kelley and Tillerson would save the country fro Trump extremes. We now find Tillerson to be clueless and Kelley no different from his boss.
We were also told that Ivanka and Jarred would have a subduing effect on Trump. That has not worked out too. So if they leave the administration and return to New York it would not be a major loss. At least, there will be less nepotism on display.
33
Why does the government even need outside support to create a "a $500 million fund to help agencies modernize outdated information technology systems, some of which are at least 40 years old". So,we urgently need the president's son-in-law to take on such basic measures as some kind of heroic venture? As Don Sr himself would say... SAD!!
13
I recently left England after a summer stay.
This story reminds me of British tabloid breathless, ever present, gushing coverage of their royal family.
No one can ever interview a royal. A royal will never opine about anything because they say its not allowed. Me thinks that they have no clue.
Their aides whisper in ears of newsmen, frame qotations for what a royal may have or may not have said.
And rarely, it adds to anything valuable than selling newspaper copies.
I am a Republican and generally support this president's agenda.
But we could do without this American made royalty.
Eventually, like the British royals, these American royals will move on to something without actually ever completing anything. And hopefully without doing a lasting damage - like the British royals.
And sooner the better for our Republic.
4
Confused here --
You say "I am a Republican and generally support this president's agenda.
But we could do without this American made royalty."
FYI = America did not make Jared & Ivanka 'royalty'.
Your president did - at least in his own mind, and the minds of his sycophants. Most sane onlookers were dubious out of the gate.
Also - British royalty has not done lasting damage?? Really?
'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'
1
Don't compare the British royals to trump and his spawn. They do not trade with Russian oligarchs and create virtual laundromats for dirty money like the building that bears his name in Panama, see http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/trump-panama-building-a-magnet-...
But didn't you love it when the Kennedys were America's royal family?
Kushner and Ivanka have no business being anywhere near the WH. They are interested only in pushing their own agendas and securing entree to notables who can help them. Send them both back to New York where they belong and let the president and his cabinet do their jobs. It always amazes me how these two show up on the world stage even in the midst of high-level meetings. No one voted for them. The sooner the president begins to see what a detriment they are I hope they will be "Fired."
24
Judging from the sheer number of negative comments about Mr. Kushner and his assumption of various roles in his father-in-law's Administration, it would seem advisable if he and his wife "would leap at a chance" to take the next flight from Reagan National back to the Big Apple, permanently.
18
Given all this Kushner's still working on"a plan to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians"? Does he still have the security clearance to manage this? Since we know that Russia managed to compromise multiple security/government resources and that Jarod Kushner has been reported to be more interested in business in other countries than protecting USA interests...it's hard to believe he is the right person to be involved with setting up the new government technology. Common sense, good citizenship not nepotism.
12
He has had a "temporary" clearance since around January.
1
How do people like Kushner--who have idea what it means to be a public servant--keep getting into positions of power?
22
Simple. Marry the favorite daughter of the most powerful man in the world.
6
A good question that applies to a majority of Trump's Cabinet. Including him..never so much as ran for Zoning board!
6
The first night away at camp a lot of kids need their Teddy bears for security at first. As they come to know other people and around the camp the bear becomes less important. So what’s new here? Democrats will thank themselves for this but give the kid some credit too.
1
666 — apt number, Bible-wise.
Now that Ivanka and Jared will get their inheritance tax free, an extra billion, with the repeal of the estate tax, the motivation to help America will diminish rapidly.
19
He’s disappeared because he’s in trouble-keeping a low profile as if that would make a difference. He’ll probably go to jail for a few years.
23
Jared Kushner has never achieved anything that his father's money didn't pay for. His appointment to any post in the White House is proof enough that the president is unfit to hold office. Any true servant of the people in Congress should be appropriately appalled and say so, often.
34
“Jared has been very effective since the earliest days of the campaign and the same is true today. He understood the movement then and has been helpful implementing the agenda the American people voted for since.”
Word-Salad without the dressing.
13
When this is all over and we examine the psychological profiles of all the players, Jared might be the most interesting. Don Jr. you get. Ivanka, very easy. But Jared? Trying to please the "Daddy" who went to jail? Trying to be more successful than his own Father and Father-In-Law? Impressing the wife? It's "Hamlet" and "MacBeth" combined. Make no mistake... these are all horrible people with horrible motives. NOTHING is done in the open or for the greater good. We made a huge mistake and I can't wait for it to be corrected.
45
My favorite is Fredo (aka Eric). "I'm smart, I can do things!" (The Godfather, Part I).
2
Corrected? In 2020, we may well be experiencing Trump Part Deux
1
I can spot a Haberman byline from a mile away.
"But even Mr. Kushner’s supporters acknowledged that his role had evolved. In their view, that reflected his success, not failure."
When one uses a "but," it usually means that the preceding thought stands in contrast. But no, the previous sentence is Trump showering praise. So where are the detractors to this sentence's supporters?
And what on earth is this nonsense?:
"Mr. Kushner arrived in the White House with an expansive portfolio. In addition to Middle East peace, he served as the president’s intermediary with Mexico, China and the Arab world. He traveled to Iraq wearing a flak vest over his blue blazer and button-down shirt. His high profile generated magazine covers and late-night comic riffs. Even some inside the West Wing began referring to him as “the secretary of state.”"
He arrived at the WH with "Middle East peace" as an accomplishment? Wearing a flak jacket over his boarding school uniform is a portfolio piece? Magazine covers? What on earth is happening here?
11
As lame as his father in law. Just without the votes to go with it. The perfect Jerzy Kosinski character.
23
Kushner, with his above-the-law know-it-all arrogance, is just one more example that pride goeth before a fall.
35
Being born into money does not make one automatically smart, despite the spin. Trump voters- are you watching this closely?
36
Government is not business. Historically, businessmen don't often make great political leaders, and that includes some highly successful, competent, and even ethical businessmen (not weaselly inheritors). Americans should have learned the lesson with W: incompetent in business yet nonetheless he touted his business acumen...at least he was somewhat charming with a sense of humor. This new bunch is just plain crooked and incompetent.
24
As one columnist stated, these are nothing more than Trust-Fund-Babies given imaginary 'jobs' to make it appear they are actually earning their keep; nepotism at its most odious.
49
The leaders of the People's Republic of China must be very amused by the triad: Jared, Ivanka, and the real Donald Trump leading this country into irrelevance. Trump Incorporated, aka the "White House", is the culmination of political strategies of the GOP gone amuck years ago and of a Democratic Party so focussed on transgender bathrooms and undocumented immigrants that they forgot about the concerns of working-class and middle-class Americans.
15
Meh. Why is this front page news? Also- chain of command still has trump at the top, so, still meh.
2
Wait, you mean he hasn’t brokered Middle East piece yet?
11
kushner is a crooked lightweight, but kelly knows that he is actively assisting in the destruction of the nation. thanks for your disservice general!
32
Strategist Rick Tyler seems to have a grasp on the situation:
" “As long as Jared was seen and not heard, he was able to play the role of wonder boy,” he said. “But now he is no longer seen, and we are only left to wonder about the boy whose father-in-law placed the hope of unraveling the world’s most intractable public policy puzzles from peace in the Middle East to reinventing government” in him."
Kushner is a novice at best. By all accounts, his ticket to Harvard was purchased by his father (himself no paragon of virtue). His handling of 666 Fifth Avenue can be kindly referred to as "bumbling." How absurd it is that the goal of peace in the Middle East - something that has eluded far more intelligent and experienced actual diplomats - falls into his (emphasizing point with an expletive) hands.
16
A long road from trying to help run the world, to trying to help run New York, to trying to help run the commissary in a federal pen.
EF
26
This piece is sure to send DJT into a Twitter rant in just a few hours.....
40
To me, Kushner seems like nothing less than a member of Slytherin.
59
Indeed.
This is the problem when you have been entitled your entire life. You actually start to believe that you are qualified.
127
666. 666 5Th Ave. Jared’s utter incompetence in failing to time the market and tethering his families fortunes into a horribly over leveraged and over valued asset, surely this qualifies this utter idiot to solve half of the worlds problems? Worst thing? The utter disgust in knowing that this incompetent grifter has been trying to use his privileged position in the current “administration” to clean up the mistakes he’s made and buy time and money for 666. No Jared, you can not wash away the number with your crimes, you are branded with the number and always were. You sell this country out and you deserve what’s coming to you.
67
I just can’t believe he said that to Preibus. He landed in the WH via nepotism and was basically saying, “You’re not the boss of me.”
How you treat people reveals your character.
92
Well, he did go to Harvard, right? Oh....wait....
https://www.propublica.org/article/the-story-behind-jared-kushners-curio...
22
Plus ca meme, plus ca meme chose. (The more things change, the more they stay the same.) Decades ago, only the wealthy went to college. Then, came the GI Bill, and that changed things...somewhat....for elites like Harvard.
1
In advance of the expected indictments, 45 has already begun to distance himself from his favorite son-in-law. Perhaps we will finally get to hear the mysterious voice of Jared, as he gets thrown under the tRump clown bus in slow motion. Another day, another low level volunteer...
64
On balance, better with Kelly than without.
It is self-evident that in addition to his vast inexperience, Jared Kushner has no humility or personal integrity. He lacks the education, required diplomatic experience, technological expertise, public presence, administrative ability, and record of accomplishments to discharge successfully the responsibilities of the portfolio that his father-in-law has cobbled together and delegated to him. It is the height of arrogance and a nadir of critical self-awareness for Kushner to have accepted that portfolio, yet he did. That speaks volumes about his lack of personal insight and integrity.
Mr. Kushner has been set up for failure by his own father-in-law. Pathetic. History will never let him live down the hubris of his monumental overreach, and he will have to live out his life in ignominy. Another product of the ruinous touch of his father-in-law. We cannot be surprised.
125
There must always be someone to blame - someone who is never Donald J. Trump. From blaming Hillary for the birther fraud, to blaming Sean Spicer for pretty much everything, Donald has revealed his one true talent - finding scapegoats for his own mistakes.
1
In reply to Mercutio,
Not only can we not be surprised, we cannot wait!
2
Are you aware that you just described Barack Obama to a T?
"He understood the movement then and has been helpful implementing the agenda the American people voted for since.” correction, Mr. Trump: a minority of the American people (thank you, electoral college)...
20
Jared and his wife are poster children for the expression about being born on third base and thinking they hit a triple.
94
But at least they're pretty.
Looks matter in Trump World.
Except for the Don himself.
3
Morally corrupt to the bone. There’s an expression “people without a prayer” which is exactly what they are. Very sick.
4
Reading about Jared makes me feel like I'm living in Saudi Arabia, with the king's son in law being handed a portfolio. I pray for the day when we return to being a constitutional democracy, generally appointing people based on merit rather than their being married to the daughter of the king/autocrat.
134
Aside from their physical appearance, neither Jared Kushner nor Ivanka Trump are remarkable people. They only need to speak and their intellectual and knowledge limits become manifestly obviously. That John Kelly was aware that Donald Trump - whose own limitations have been exposed throughout his presidential campaign and presidency - made a significant error in bringing his own family members into his Administration is hardly surprising. If Mr. Kelly is genuinely interesting in making the Trump presidency successful, he will undoubtedly seek to marginalize and ultimately remove Mr. Kushner and Ms. Trump from the White House. Here, he may ultimately be aided by the Robert Muller’s investigation, which appears to be taking direct aim at Mr. Kushner.
23
It would be the best of schadenfreude to see the Kushners indicted and gone. Too much to hope for really and it will never happen. However I have no desire to see Kelly make Trump's racist oligarchy a success.
As in most family-owned businesses, the ACTUAL employees who need a successful career to survive, do the heavy lifting that covers up for the incompetence or absence of the empty suit.
That's what all the Trumps are hoping for-the problems to be solved so Jared can take credit. I've been expecting Jared or Donald to keep firing people until they leave office, blaming those Washingtonian's for failing...
27
"and developing a plan to overhaul re-entry into American society for prisoners."
Well, he does have some experience in this area perhaps, after watching his father after his release from prison.
Or maybe he is thinking he might need a program like this himself someday.
36
I don't understand ... didn't Trump proclaim ad nauseum that he "only hires the best people?"
48
In this case, "best" has a special meaning: being utterly subservient to Donald Trump.
1
This poor excuse of an administration shows us constantly their disdain for us in America who are not of their ilk. They all have lack of experience in our form of government. That's because they all are business people interested in their financial profits. That is also why they cannot pass any bills. They are transparent to their goals. Support your local billionaire pass our bills. And as for Trump not wanting cover of Times Magazine , well I say put President Obama on that cover. See Trump explode.
46
Trump will discover to his surprise that the nepotism law applies to Jared, who will then gracefully resign.
20
The the whole thing is a farce within a tragedy within a farce.
It was bad enough - very, very bad - that America ended up with a joke president, but for that clod to then give his Entitled son-in-law a key role within his administration?! Totally fine to take Junior on board if you’re opening a new shop or a garage or something - but Not when you’re POTUS. Who on earth would take either of those two men seriously, especially one whose only skills and experience for the job boils down to ‘I Married A Trump’?
He’s patently unsuited for any such role, and absolutely should be bundled out of the White House, and far from the levers of power. Bad enough for bungling Trump to busy himself making America an utter laughing stock, without adding fuel to the fire with his son-in-law, who’s very, very clearly way out of his depth.
44
Name on thing Jared Kushner has accomplished on his own without his Dad's money and influence?
46
Kushner, in addition to being inexperienced, is hampered by his father-in-law's incompetency in staffing numerous departments and agencies in the Fed that could aid in strengthening Kusher's directives. Under-staffing or staffing with incompetent, inexperienced, or ill-suited replacements, as well as the politicizing of these appointments in important government agencies is impacting any decision-making needed by Trump's "team." Witness the idiotic handling of the Consumer Protection Agency director replacement. So, really, how can Kushner make any progress, assuming that he can, in the projects he has been tasked to do if his own father-in-law doesn't even acknowledge conflicts of interest or understand how government works?
18
The underlying theme seems to be destroy government so it can't work. Then it can't tax Trump or bother him at all.
1
a nice phrase comes to mind - 'Kushner - You're FIRED !'
18
Kushner and his "rise" is really proof-positive of how Trump has turned our democracy into a kleptocratic oligarchy.
A guy with NO real accomplishments in his life is given a major role in a government, a role for which he has NO qualifications whatsoever. (Why? Because he's the boss's son-in-law!)
This is the sort of thing that characterizes the worst, most corrupt despotisms in the world. A guy seizes power (illegally) and appoints his family to run things along with him and loot the treasury...
How can this be happening here?
53
For the record, it is indisputable that Mr. Trump's statement, "[Jared Kushner] understood the movement then and has been helpful implementing the agenda the American people voted for since,” contains a gross distortion. Only a minority of the American people voted for Mr. Trump and his agenda, The anachronistic Electoral College won election for him.
Look it up, Mr. Trump, the November 2016 election results clearly show that ~3 million more Americans voted for Hillary Clinton and her agenda than voted for you.
You may continue to weave your web of lies and distortions, Mr. Trump, but in the long run, you are bound to entrap yourself.
22
"He is still forging ahead on a plan to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians"
LOL.
He wouldn't accomplish anything even if he stayed for 8 years.
So this is a good sign.
Kushner is supremely unqualified to be any kind of advisor to any President.
However, as the President himself is supremely unqualified, it's kind of fitting.
He has accomplished even less than Trump.
Way to go, Golden Boy.
23
Something tells me we are about to witness the Fall of the House of Kushner. Also, this will likely be Ivanka’s starter marriage. She won’t find Jared that attractive when the money’s all gone. Not sure what she liked about him in the first place. Not sure I ever liked any of them.
28
Kushner was supposed to spare us from Trump's excesses, then Kelly was going to save us from Trump's rants, now Kelly is neutering Kushner, all the while Trump plays golf and watches TV, calling that "work." And waiting for Flake, McCain and Corker to turn on Trump in deed is futile. The better solution: dump this ill-prepared, incoherent, inept lot, top to bottom. A circus is better organized.
32
"...he did not fully grasp how the special counsel would scrutinize every single thing he had done in business, during the transition and during the campaign."
There's a lot Jared doesn't grasp -- like why anyone might buy the idiotic rationale he gave Trump to explain firing Comey. That Jared or Trump thought they could pass that off unquestioned is simultaneously laughable and terrifying. They both -- along with virtually everyone else in the administration -- inexplicably and undeservedly occupy jobs that would be better filled by people who have more than a self-serving, opportunisitc interest to be there.
Jared has no place in this administration or any other. He has no education, experience or other background that qualifies him to be a Senior (Senior!!) Advisor -- as his job performance bears out. He's young, intellectually dim, and has at least one business venture whose debt hangs on him like a millstone. It takes no imagination to see how convenient it would be for him to (mis)use his foreign contacts in wealthy nations to bail him out of his troubles. If he applied for a private-sector corporate job with that kind of debt, he wouldn't even be issued a company credit card!
His security clearance should be revoked because of the lies on his disclosure forms. And if he were anyone else's son-in-law, he wouldn't be near D.C. His visibility may be shrinking, but until he shrinks all the way out of the White House (and into prison?) it won't be enough.
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Seriously, why hasn't that security clearance been revoked? Anybody minding the store?
Arguing that Jared is unqualified is ridiculous. That implies that anyone in the administration is qualified. And enough of the myth that Kelly is responsible for any sort of order in the WH.
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Mr. Kushner's father no doubt explained the facts of life to Jered, that you need not do time if you can serve up someone higher on the food chain.
He knows Trump has no loyalty to others.
Who will rat out who on what has to be in everyone's mind all day long.
Push out anyone with compromising information. Don't give them more trading tokens.
Get your plea deal in early, because after Trump trades off resignation for immunity-pardon-Russian citizenship the headman's ax will fall.
And the bell will toll for thee.
23
Diplomacy is among the most complicated things on the planet. Anyone who thinks that Jared himself “planned” his father-in-law’s Saudi trip or “brokered” a phone call with the Mexican President is seriously smoking something. Only seasoned diplomats are capable of such things. Not a failed princeling. Jared should take his toys and go home.
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Kushner is simply a rich brat who has had everything handed to him. In charge of the family business he's got a single building with $1.2B in debt and an "unworkable" redevelopment plan. That is the background the US needs to solve the Middle East peace problem?
He's utterly unqualified and totally incompetent to be running any office, technology or foreign policy. I'm sure he thinks he is working really, really hard and should get credit for his efforts, useless as they may be. Doing a good job? Donald says so and that is all that counts. (LOL)
Poor Jared, he and Ivanka are in Washington for one reason and one reason only. Their dad is unhinged and they are there to smooth over the obvious squeaks so that Donald doesn't get crucified.
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To be fair, the Kushner family owns a lot of substandard rental properties outside of NYC as well.
Look at the reasons his editors left his New York Observer weekly newspaper. Jared is neither naive nor young as we are learning! Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing.
15
>> Mr. Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and senior adviser, who had been in seemingly every meeting and every photograph, has lately disappeared from public view and, according to some colleagues, taken on a more proscribed role behind the scenes.
Is calling his work "proscribed" a reference to what Mueller will discover?
7
I think it was rude of Jared to be curt with Mr Priebus. After all he was knid enough to rig the primaries and the general election for his father in law.
23
A spectre is haunting Trumpland...
14
The reportedly nasty Jared comment to Priebus speaks volumes about the Trump family mindset and the enormous damage they are doing to our Republic
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"Corporate leaders were recruited to give input at round-table discussions organized by Mr. Kushner... They complained to Gary D. Cohn who in turn told Mr. Kushner’s aides not to convene another listening session unless it had a compelling purpose and produced results."
The purpose, as in all things in this White House, was to extend Kushner's network and build his brand. The only thing this White House cares about is using their time in office to maximize future business opportunities.
21
I think 45 was hoping to groom Ivanka and Jared to be the next presidential couple.
And his qualifications were what, again?
48
Puerto Rico can rest easy now knowing Jared is on the case.
29
Sorry, what is Kushner's role, again?
23
Jared Kushner is soon going to have his hands full, explaining lots of Laundered Russian money passing through his fingers.
Now might not be an appropriate time for Jared to govern the United States of America.
21
THROUGH his fingers?
1
The political genius that reportedly thought firing Comey would end the Russian investigation is still on a mission to bring peace to the Middle East? The only thing this princeling is qualified to do is to use the silverware correctly at a black tie dinner.
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Jared thought he would "naturally" outsmart Putin and "rule the roost."
10
“There was honestly never a time when I contemplated getting rid of Jared and Ivanka,” Mr. Kelly said.
Curious insertion of the word "honestly".......
Me thinks he is lying.
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"Getting rid of" sounds a bit harsh for beloved family members. Perhaps he meant to say, ask them to go back to New York....?
1
The incredible shrinking man.
17
It's incredibly difficult to manage the government of the United States while it's falling apart, and you're trying to be a Ken doll only skinnier.
24
The entire Whit House is staffed by amateurs starting at the top with Donald the POTUS. Expect amateur results from this most amateur of all presidential administrations.
22
Amateur is one thing.
Clueless is quite another.
And then there are some who know exactly what they're doing.
That's often much scarier.
2
How someone with absolutely no relevant experience can have such responsibilities and power in the White House is a travesty. But, that's what you get when you allow nepotism. Trump can't figure out what to do abut anything, so he just shoots from the hip. Time to clean (the white) house.
28
Nepotism is a disease that can spread as wild, uncontrolled fire. POTUS should learn soon about its devastating effects on regular humans, and on the purse of 'We the People'. So sad!
10
Hasn’t the pitchforks and torches crowd realized yet that they would never-ever be invited to any of the parties and other gatherings that Jared and Ivanka thrive upon as two rich kids? How many populists work in the White House? Probably none.
11
The Emperor’s son has no clothes, either.
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