House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has drawn sharp criticism from progressive members of his party following reports of a private meeting with Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's son-in-law.
The closed-door discussion, which reportedly took place in recent weeks, focused on identifying potential areas of cooperation between Democrats and the Trump administration, according to The New York Times. Topics such as housing, immigration, and the cost of living were cited as possible subjects for common ground.
Kushner, who is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, is also reported to have suggested that Jeffries meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Jeffries' office and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
Some progressive figures voiced strong objections to the reported meeting. Mehdi Hasan, founder and CEO of Zeteo, wrote on X that Jeffries should instead be preparing to subpoena Kushner for corruption investigations upon a Democratic House majority. Michelle Kinney, co-founder of The Mayday Network, expressed a similar sentiment on X, stating that Kushner should be facing committee hearings rather than private meetings.
Dean Obeidallah, writing for "The Dean's Report," questioned Jeffries' judgment in holding such a meeting, suggesting it could create a distraction for Democrats ahead of the midterm elections, especially if the meeting became public knowledge. The timing of the report comes as Democrats aim to regain control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming elections.
Jeffries has previously stated that Republicans have adopted an "extremist approach" to governing. In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, he asserted that "an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition." He added, "The American people want bold change and that’s what House Democrats will deliver." Jeffries emphasized the need for "transformational policy change" on issues like affordability, questioning whether Republicans would join in these efforts. If Democrats secure a House majority, Jeffries is considered a potential candidate for Speaker of the House.
