A government watchdog has filed a lawsuit against the White House over Jared Kushner’s diplomatic work for President Donald Trump’s administration, arguing that he is exercising significant government power without Senate confirmation or meeting certain federal ethics requirements.
He did not return to that formal position in the second administration.
However, Trump announced in February that Kushner would serve as an “envoy” for peace missions, working on diplomatic efforts involving conflicts in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Watchdog questions Kushner’s role in foreign policy
The organisation argues that Kushner’s involvement in foreign policy negotiations, including work alongside US special envoy Steve Witkoff, raises legal and transparency concerns. It is asking the court to examine whether his role complies with the US Constitution and federal ethics laws. CREW claims that Kushner’s work goes beyond the responsibilities of a volunteer and involves the exercise of executive authority. The group argues that his participation in negotiations with foreign leaders should require him to follow the constitutional process for appointing senior government officials. She also accused CREW of repeatedly targeting Trump, his family and his administration. Kushner’s attorney, Chad Mizelle, also rejected the lawsuit.
Spokesperson Anna Kelley said Kushner carries out his diplomatic engagements on a volunteer basis at Trump’s request and pays his own expenses. Mizelle, a former senior Justice Department official during Trump’s first administration, said the case lacked merit and questioned whether the organisation had legal standing to bring it. He said outside ethics advisers and government ethics attorneys had reviewed Kushner’s volunteer service and found his arrangements compliant with applicable rules.
The complaint was filed on Wednesday by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).
