Jared Kushner Quietly Advises Trump on Mideast Trip/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jared Kushner is quietly advising President Trump’s administration ahead of his high-stakes trip to the Middle East. Though not officially part of the delegation, Kushner is helping shape strategies on economic deals and normalization talks with Arab nations. His role is key as Trump eyes expanding the Abraham Accords.
Kushner’s Influence on Middle East Trip Quick Looks
- Kushner advising Trump team on Middle East strategy.
- Focus on economic deals with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
- Push to expand Abraham Accords amid Gaza tensions.
- Kushner helps guide talks with Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman.
- His investment firm’s Gulf ties raise conflict concerns.
- Kushner not part of official delegation but plays key behind-the-scenes role.
- White House sees Kushner as essential Middle East strategist.
- Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff expected to lead on-ground negotiations.
- Senior officials including Rubio and Bessent to join Trump’s trip.
- No expectation of immediate Saudi-Israel normalization agreement.
Jared Kushner Quietly Advises Trump on Mideast Trip
Deep Look
Jared Kushner Quietly Shapes Trump’s Middle East Strategy Ahead of Key Diplomatic Trip
WASHINGTON — As President Donald Trump prepares for a pivotal diplomatic mission to the Middle East, his administration has turned to a trusted insider for guidance: Jared Kushner.
Though no longer a formal member of Trump’s White House team, Kushner has been quietly advising senior officials, helping steer negotiations with Arab leaders as the president seeks to ink economic and diplomatic agreements during stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next week.
Kushner’s influence — particularly in Saudi-related talks — comes as the administration seeks to expand the Abraham Accords, the historic normalization agreements Kushner helped broker during Trump’s first term.
“When it comes to the Middle East, Jared is an expert,” one senior administration official said. “He knows all the players.”
High-Level Goals: Trade, Investment, and Diplomacy
The trip’s primary aim is to secure economic investment agreements from Gulf nations to bolster the U.S. economy. However, sources say Trump also wants to lay the groundwork for new diplomatic ties between Arab nations and Israel, despite the shifting geopolitical climate.
Kushner has played a vital role in prepping officials for sensitive conversations with Saudi leaders, sources told CNN. His direct involvement has not been previously disclosed, but officials say his deep relationships in the region — particularly with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — have been instrumental.
“He thinks outside the box,” one official said. “He believes there are ways to address Saudi concerns and move toward normalization.”
No Formal Role, But Deeply Engaged
Kushner is not expected to travel with Trump, nor does he hold an official title. But he remains deeply involved, particularly as a behind-the-scenes adviser to Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who will accompany the president.
Kushner and Witkoff share a close working relationship. Sources say Kushner has helped Witkoff establish key contacts in the Gulf and coached him through the region’s complex political dynamics.
“He’s Witkoff’s biggest champion,” said one Trump official. “He’s comfortable in the background until there’s a clear success.”
Kushner attended Witkoff’s swearing-in ceremony this week and has occasionally met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as interim National Security Adviser.
Complications from Kushner’s Business Ties
Kushner’s reemergence as a Middle East adviser has raised some eyebrows, especially given his investment firm, Affinity Partners, received substantial funding from Gulf sovereign wealth funds after he left office.
Critics say his dual roles — former negotiator and now investor — may present a conflict of interest, though the White House says his guidance is welcomed and rooted in expertise, not business.
“Mr. Kushner led some of the first administration’s biggest successes, including the Abraham Accords,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said. “We value his expertise.”
Shifting Middle East Dynamics
Kushner’s advisory return comes amid a far more volatile regional landscape than during Trump’s first term. The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’s 2023 attacks, has inflamed Arab-Israeli tensions, complicating normalization efforts.
Saudi Arabia, long seen as the crown jewel in normalization efforts, has refused to sign an agreement with Israel until there is a clear path to Palestinian statehood and an end to the Gaza conflict.
Despite this, U.S. officials hope other countries might be ready to move forward. One senior Trump official noted, “We fully expect other countries to sign before Saudi.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed the next phase of Israel’s military operation in Gaza until after Trump’s visit, signaling the trip’s diplomatic significance.
The Delegation and What’s Next
Trump’s delegation will include several top Cabinet members and senior staff, including:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
- Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and deputy chiefs
Each is expected to participate in bilateral meetings and help finalize investment and trade agreements.
Witkoff, who has also taken on a broader foreign policy role including Russia and Iran, told attendees at the Israeli embassy this week that more Abraham Accord signings are on the horizon.
“We think we’ll have some or a lot of announcements very, very shortly,” he said.
As Trump seeks to solidify his foreign policy legacy, Kushner’s subtle but significant reentry into Middle East diplomacy could help define whether that legacy expands.
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