Hakeem Jeffries, Trump-son-in-law Jared Kushner met privately recently

Aug. 23 (UPI) — House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., met privately with U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and informal adviser Jared Kushner in recent weeks to discuss possible common ground, according to media reports Sunday.

According to the report, the meeting occurred in New York City and covered a wide range of issues.

Jeffries is widely seen to be the next House speaker if Democrats win the majority of the chamber in the November election.

“Throughout this Congress, Republicans have adopted a my-way-or-the-highway approach to governing that has failed the American people. To stop the madness, we have repeatedly made clear that an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition. The American people want bold change and that’s what House Democrats will deliver,” Jeffries said in a statement to news agencies.

Kushner reportedly encouraged Jeffries to meet with Susie Wiles, Trump’s chief of staff.

Kushner has served a foreign envoy for Trump, notably on Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Sunday he was unaware of the meeting. “I don’t know what that’s about,” Johnson said on Fox News‘s “The Sunday Briefing.” “I know Jared has interest in a lot of other things going on.”

“He’s not really directly involved in the admin, at least in the day-to-day in the White House,” he added.