Jared Kushner, a senior advisor to Donald Trump, criticized CNN for a story suggesting his Middle East diplomacy was linked to investments in Israeli defense companies. Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, took to social media to denounce the CNN report titled, “How Jared Kushner’s firm’s investment in an Israeli company could be a major conflict of interest.” This article was published behind a paywall.

The CNN story focused on Kushner’s role as a key negotiator in the Gaza conflict. It noted that Affinity Partners, Kushner’s company, held significant stakes in a firm linked to Israel’s military. CNN’s investigation involved Israeli financial transparency laws, revealing that Phoenix Financial, a firm linked to Kushner’s investments, invested substantially in Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer. The report indicated that companies linked to Phoenix saw stock increases associated with the Gaza conflict.

CNN found no indication that Kushner’s actions as a diplomat directly impacted the investments, but that point was buried 10 paragraphs deep and only visible to paid CNN subscribers.

Kushner contended that CNN’s headline contradicted its report, which acknowledged no direct links between his diplomatic activities and investments. Further, he argued that Phoenix is not a defense company but a major Israeli financial institution that manages around $220 billion in assets. He likened Phoenix to large American firms like Vanguard or Fidelity, emphasizing that neither he nor savers choose specific investments.

In defending Affinity Partners, he stated that the company is SEC-registered and its investment in Phoenix is public knowledge. These investments predate Trump’s re-election and his return to public service. Kushner stressed Affinity holds no stake in defense firms mentioned by CNN.

Kushner also expressed frustration over enduring “false and misleading stories.” He claimed that such inaccuracies do not deter him from his mission to foster peace and end conflicts, as directed by former President Trump.

CNN stood by its reporting despite pushback from Kushner and a statement from his attorney denying any influence on Phoenix’s investments. A White House spokesperson dismissed the allegations as a recurring political narrative.