Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 23
Jeffries, Kushner Hold Private New York Meeting as 2026 Midterm Attacks Intensify
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 23

Jeffries, Kushner Hold Private New York Meeting as 2026 Midterm Attacks Intensify

1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 23

Summary

  • Five people familiar with the matter said Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner met privately in New York City in recent weeks to discuss possible areas of common ground.
  • The session was described as a broad catch-up conversation, with Trump allies seeking to build a working relationship as Democrats increasingly look capable of taking the House in 2026.
  • Jeffries, the House minority leader and a potential speaker if Democrats win, and Kushner have remained in touch since working together on a criminal justice bill during Trump’s first term.
  • The outreach contrasts with the public campaign fight: Trump has called Jeffries a “thug” and “low IQ,” while Jeffries has cast Trump as corrupt and vowed Democrats would “hold the crooks accountable.”

Insights

Why did a top congressional leader secretly meet with a key Middle East negotiator amid ongoing global ceasefire talks?