Jeffries vows to hold Trump “cartel” accountable after Kushner meeting

Aug. 25 (UPI) — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed to hold President Donald Trump and his “cartel” accountable as he responded to criticism over taking a meeting with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

In a video posted to social media on Monday night, Rep. Jeffries, D-N.Y., acknowledged that the meeting took place, and said it was Kushner who had initiated it and that he took it to discuss “the affordability crisis that exists.”

“I shouldn’t have to say it, but I am: No one is going to get a pblock. We’re going to hold every single member of the Trump cartel accountable,” he said.

The private meeting between Jeffries and Kushner in New York City was widely reported on Sunday. The New York Times, the first to report on the meeting, said it had occurred in recent weeks, and that the pair discussed a wide range of topics.

Though he does not hold a formal White House position, Kushner is an adviser to his father-in-law and has served as his foreign envoy, in particular concerning conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran. Jeffries would be the leading candidate to become the next speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives if Democrats regain control of the chamber in November.

Following reports of the meeting, Jeffries came under scrutiny by some for meeting with Kushner, most notably former President Barack Obama aide Tommy Vietor, who said that the only way Jeffries “should work with him is with demands for doblockents and subpoenas.” Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., said, “There is really no excuse for a secret meeting, especially before the election.

“Just a reminder to @RepJeffries. Kushner is not a member of govt despite pretending he is,” he said on X.

“He is driving intense self deal and corruption. He enables Trump.”

News of the meeting broke as the midterm elections in November approach. Trump has expressed concerns that if Republicans lose the House, not only will their power to enforce his agenda will be hampered, but he may again face impeachment as well as investigations.

In the video, Jeffries said he wanted to have a “real talk on this Jared Kushner situation” and explained that if Democrats regain the House, they will hold Trump, his family and the Republicans accountable.

“We’re going to follow the facts, apply the law and be guided by the Constitution beginning on Day One and hold the crooks accountable,” he said.

He said congressional Democrats have battled the Trump administration on issues ranging from tariffs to funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the war in Iran, as well as alleged corruption that, he said, the Trump administration has “unleashed on the American people.” He pointed to the departures of former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as examples of results Democrats have secured.

“And we’re just getting started,” he said.