Jared Kushner Slams CNN Over Gaza Diplomacy Conflict of Interest Claims
Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, pushed back sharply on Friday against a CNN report regarding his private equity firm’s financial ties to Israeli defense manufacturers. The network published an investigation detailing how Affinity Partners holds a majority stake in Phoenix Financial, a Tel Aviv-based financial firm with hundreds of millions of dollars invested in Israeli military suppliers, including Elbit Systems. The story suggested potential conflicts of interest given Kushner's diplomatic portfolio covering Gaza, Iran, and diplomatic channels with Russia and Ukraine.
Affinity Partners Majority Stake in Phoenix Financial
CNN reported that Affinity Partners maintains a majority share in Phoenix Financial, which manages approximately $220,000,000,000 across thousands of investments. According to corporate records cited by the network, Phoenix has invested heavily in Elbit Systems—Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer—alongside stakes in at least eight other defense contractors supplying the Israeli military. The reporting noted that Kushner has avoided deeper financial disclosures by operating as a volunteer emissary and informal adviser rather than holding a formal government post.
Jared Kushner Defends Investments on Social Media
Kushner rejected the reporting in a post on X, calling the headline and article “sumamentes engañosos” or highly misleading. He argued that Phoenix Financial is a heavily regulated, publicly traded financial institution handling Israeli pension funds rather than a specialized defense contractor. «Ni los ahorradores ni yo elegimos las inversiones individuales», Kushner stated, adding that he does not participate in day-to-day asset allocation decisions. He noted that the investment in Phoenix predates President Trump’s re-election and emphasized that Affinity does not directly own the defense companies cited in the report.
Kushner Continues Diplomatic Assignments Despite Financial Scrutiny
Kushner maintained that misleading media coverage will not deter him from the assignments given to him by President Trump. His diplomatic portfolio includes facilitating peace efforts in Gaza and engaging in direct talks concerning regional conflicts. The dispute highlights ongoing scrutiny over the intersection of private financial holdings and informal diplomatic roles within high-stakes international negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Affinity Partners?
Affinity Partners is a private equity firm owned by Jared Kushner. It holds a majority stake in Phoenix Financial, a major Tel Aviv-listed financial institution.
Which defense companies are linked to Phoenix Financial?
Regulatory records traced by CNN show that Phoenix Financial has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, along with at least eight other military suppliers.
Why is Kushner exempt from standard financial disclosures?
CNN reported that Kushner operates as a volunteer envoy and informal advisor to President Trump rather than holding an official government post that legally mandates detailed financial transparency.
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