Donald Trump’s decision to name his son-in-law as a top White House advisor has sparked an outcry today with senior Democrats launching a bid to block the appointment amid allegations of nepotism and conflict of interest.
Democratic lawmakers have urged the US Justice Department and the Office of Government Ethics to investigate possible “legal issues” relating to Jared Kushner’s new role in President-elect Trump’s administration.
Mr Kushner, 35, is the husband of Mr Trump’s daughter, Ivanka.
His lawyer Jamie Gorelick responded by insisting the young tycoon would be stepping down as chief of his family’s property empire and as publisher of the New York Observer newspaper.
She also said Mr Kushner intended to divest “substantial assets” and would forego his salary for the White House role.
Paying little heed to the likely controversy, Mr Trump said yesterday that his son-in-law - an influential figure in the Republican candidate’s triumphant election campaign - would be a “tremendous asset” and he was proud to offer him a “key leadership role”.
However, Democrat members of the House Judiciary Committee question how Mr Kushner can avoid serious conflicts of interests as a powerful presidential aide.
They argue that a “strong case” can be made that the 1967 anti-nepotism legislation applies to staff working in the White House.
“Mr Kushner’s White House position may allow him to influence policy that benefits his business interests,” they claimed.
Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump will also relinquish her executive positions with the Trump Organisation and from her own fashion brands, but would not be taking an official position on her father’s team.
Mr Kushner is widely perceived as being a calming influence on his father-in-law and his importance to the incoming president was illustrated when he was assigned with Mr Trump’s Chief Strategist Steve Bannon to meet with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson at the weekend.
According to the New York Times, Mr Kushner is described by Mr Trump’s staff as the first among equals in his most trusted inner circle and he is expected to wield unparalleled power behind the scenes in the West Wing.
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While some opponents see the appointment as another attempt by Mr Trump to bend the rules to his will, others believe Mr Kushner will be a moderating factor.
“I respect him a lot,” said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said when asked about Mr. Kushner. “I’ve known him for years and find him to be a very reasonable person.”
