How Jared Kushner is mixing U.S. diplomacy with his billion

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-16T16:28:25.801Z • Permanent link

Dexter Filkins' reporting in The New Yorker has shed new light on Jared Kushner's dual roles as a U.S. special envoy negotiating peace and a private businessman raking in billions in some of the same countries. Kushner's father-in-law, Donald Trump, appointed him to this position in 2017, following Kushner's stint as a senior advisor to the President. Kushner's responsibilities as special envoy include facilitating negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as brokering deals with countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. However, Kushner has continued to pursue lucrative business ventures, including a significant investment in a tech startup in the Middle East.

Kushner's private business dealings have drawn criticism from some, who argue that they are a conflict of interest and undermine his official role as a special envoy. Kushner's company, Kushner Companies, has reportedly secured billions of dollars in investments from countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. These deals have sparked concerns about Kushner's ability to remain impartial in his negotiations. For instance, Kushner's company has invested in a major infrastructure project in the United Arab Emirates, which has led to accusations that Kushner is using his position to secure business advantages.

Critics of Kushner's dual roles point to a lack of transparency and accountability. The lack of clear guidelines governing Kushner's business dealings has raised questions about whether he is using his official position to further his own interests. Furthermore, Kushner's connections to influential figures in the Middle East, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have raised concerns about the potential for undue influence and corruption.

Kushner's dual roles have significant implications for the AI & Tech Ecosystems domain. His business dealings with countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates could lead to increased investment in the region, potentially driving innovation and growth in the tech sector. However, this also raises concerns about the potential for exploitation and corruption. Companies operating in the region, such as tech giants like Google and Facebook, must navigate complex regulatory environments and ensure that their business practices are transparent and accountable.

The potential for Kushner's business dealings to influence his official role as a special envoy also has significant implications for the research community. As a key player in the Middle East peace negotiations, Kushner's actions could impact the trajectory of research on the region. Moreover, Kushner's connections to influential figures in the tech industry, including Elon Musk and Richard Branson, could lead to increased investment in the region and drive innovation in areas such as AI and renewable energy.

Kushner's dual roles are part of a larger pattern of institutionalized corruption in the Middle East. The region has long been plagued by crony capitalism and the use of influence peddling to secure business advantages. The Trump administration's decision to appoint Kushner as a special envoy was seen by many as a way to curry favor with the region's powerful leaders. Kushner's business dealings with countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are also part of a larger trend of Western companies seeking to tap into the region's vast natural resources.