Former Obama Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes recently joined MSNBC’s Alex Wagner to discuss troubling revelations regarding Jared Kushner’s financial ties to Saudi Arabia. The discussion sheds light on potential conflicts of interest and raises questions about the influence of foreign actors on American foreign policy.
During the interview, Rhodes highlighted Kushner’s lack of qualifications for his role in the White House and his close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Rhodes expressed concerns about Kushner’s involvement in the cover-up of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and his role in shaping US foreign policy in favor of Saudi interests.
Rhodes emphasized that the $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia into Kushner’s firm was not based on Kushner’s investment expertise but rather on the expectation of favorable treatment in a potential second Trump term. This raises serious concerns about the influence of foreign money on US policy decisions, particularly in the Middle East.
Wagner further discussed Kushner’s financial ties to other controversial actors in the region, including Qatar and Israel. She questioned whether Kushner’s investments from these countries neutralize the issue, to which Rhodes responded that it simply reflects a system where influence is up for sale to the highest bidder.
The timing of Kushner’s investments, particularly those made during his tenure in the White House, adds another layer of concern. Rhodes pointed out that Kushner strategically chose to work on Middle East issues during his time in the administration, anticipating financial rewards after leaving office.
Rhodes drew parallels between Kushner’s alleged actions and the ongoing impeachment inquiry involving Hunter Biden. He criticized the double standard, noting that while there is no evidence of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden, Kushner has reportedly profited immensely from his White House connections.
In conclusion, the revelations about Jared Kushner’s investments from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states raise serious ethical and national security concerns. The potential for foreign influence to shape US policy decisions undermines the integrity of the democratic process and demands further investigation and accountability.
