Chicago – August 23, 2026
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) recently held a private meeting with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trumpâs son-in-law and informal adviser, in New York City, signaling potential outreach ahead of the November midterm elections that could flip control of the House to Democrats.
The closed-door session, first reported by The New York Times and confirmed by multiple sources, took place at a private venue arranged by a mutual friend. According to individuals familiar with the discussions, the pair explored possible areas of common ground, including housing, immigration, and the high cost of livingâissues likely to dominate the 2026 campaign cycle.
Kushner reportedly suggested that Jeffries follow up with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, a move interpreted as preparation for a potential shift in congressional power. Neither Jeffries nor Kushner publicly confirmed the meeting, but Jeffries issued a statement criticizing the GOPâs âmy-way-or-the-highwayâ approach and calling for more collaborative governance.
The encounter drew sharp reactions from some Democrats and Trump critics, while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) downplayed Kushnerâs role, saying he is ânot directly involvedâ in day-to-day administration operations.
