Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, recently held a private meeting in New York with Jared Kushner, son-in-law and external advisor to President Donald Trump. This meeting suggests that the White House seeks to collaborate with Democrats should they gain control from Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.

The New York Times first reported the meeting on Sunday. Discussions included topics such as housing, immigration, and the high cost of living. Inflation has posed challenges for many Americans, with Democrats blaming Republicans, including Trump, for failing to manage it effectively.

Kushner proposed that Jeffries, who might become the speaker of the House if Democrats regain power in November, meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for further discussions. Jeffries, in a Sunday statement, emphasized the need for Republicans to move away from their rigid, unilateral approach which he claims has failed the American public.

He stated, “To stop this madness, we have consistently made it clear that an extreme approach will not work and will face strong opposition.” Jeffries questioned if Republicans would join Democrats in their efforts.

The meeting reflects the Republican Party’s concern about losing its majority in Congress, particularly in the House, and the necessity to build bridges with the opposition as the White House aims to mitigate any political fallout for the president. If Democrats regain control, the White House might anticipate a vigorous oversight agenda focusing on what Jeffries has labeled as “corruption” within the government, coupled with the threat of impeachment among numerous tools available to the party.

On Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close ally of Trump, expressed frustration when asked about the meeting. He downplayed Kushner’s role, describing him as playing different roles in the White House. Johnson remarked on “The Sunday Briefing” on Fox News Channel, “Don’t bet against House Republicans.” Additionally, he mentioned that Jared is engaged in various affairs but is not directly involved in daily government operations.

The White House did not comment on the issue, and Kushner’s representative was also unresponsive. Kushner serves as a known emissary for Trump amongst Democrats.

Jeffries and Kushner have a history of collaboration. During Trump’s first term, they worked together on a significant law that introduced sentencing flexibility for certain drug offenses to reduce lengthy federal prison sentences. Although they are not particularly close, their relationship endures despite the frequent attacks from Trump towards Jeffries and his responses.

In Trump’s second term, Kushner plays a substantial role, despite not holding any formal position in the White House. He acts as an external advisor and envoy, notably traveling frequently for diplomatic missions overseas amidst the U.S. conflict with Iran.

Trump and Jeffries have only met once since the president’s return to the White House. During that meeting, Trump teased both Jeffries and New York’s Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer with red caps, reading “Make America Great Again” for 2028, hinting at a possible but unconstitutional third term for Trump.

Following that autumn meeting, Trump posted a fake image of Schumer and Jeffries with exaggerated features, widely seen as a racist stereotype, while mocking Democrats before the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

Under Trump’s leadership, Congress has been either ignored or pressured to conform to the White House’s priorities, especially for controversial cabinet nominations. However, a Democratic majority in either chamber could change this dynamic. Many lawmakers are eager for Congress to assert its power equally with the other branches of government, keeping the White House in check.

Republicans and Democrats Battle for Power in Midterm Elections

House Republicans rely on Trump’s popularity among core voters as they strive to maintain their majority. Johnson believes the Republican Party can defy historical trends that usually favor challengers in midterm elections and penalize the ruling party.

With a slim majority, control of the House is likely to be contested in key districts while Democrats field candidates aiming to recreate the 2018 wave fueled by voter dissatisfaction during Trump’s first term. Although the House is at greater risk this year, the narrowly divided Senate is also competitive.

Republican strategists worry about a lack of voter enthusiasm within their ranks, with Democrats seemingly more motivated to vote.

Democrats are nominating non-establishment candidates, some with socialist agendas, over party-backed contenders, indicating voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.

———-The Associated Press journalist Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.———-This story was translated from English by an AP editor using a generative AI tool.