News Desk: A US government watchdog has filed a lawsuit against the White House over Jared Kushner’s diplomatic work for President Donald Trump’s administration, arguing that his role may violate constitutional appointment procedures and federal ethics requirements.
The complaint was filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. The organisation wants the court to examine whether Kushner can participate in sensitive foreign policy negotiations without Senate confirmation or meeting certain financial disclosure requirements.
Kushner, who is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, served as a senior White House adviser during the president’s first term. Although he did not return to that formal position in the second administration, Trump announced in February that Kushner would assist with diplomatic peace initiatives involving the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Watchdog questions constitutional and ethical requirements
CREW alleges that Kushner’s responsibilities extend beyond those of a private volunteer and involve the exercise of government authority. It argues that his participation in negotiations with foreign leaders raises questions under the Constitution’s Appointments Clause, which establishes procedures for appointing certain federal officials.
The lawsuit also seeks financial disclosures relating to Kushner’s government work. CREW has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving his investment firm, Affinity Partners, which has attracted investments from Middle Eastern sources, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to reporting cited in the complaint.
The allegations have not been established in court.
White House and lawyer reject claims
The White House has defended Kushner’s involvement, describing his diplomatic activities as voluntary and separate from his private business interests.
Spokesperson Anna Kelley said Kushner works at Trump’s request, receives no government salary and pays his own expenses. She also accused CREW of repeatedly targeting the president and his administration.
Kushner’s lawyer, Chad Mizelle, rejected the lawsuit and questioned whether CREW had the legal standing to bring the case. He said outside ethics advisers and government ethics attorneys had reviewed Kushner’s volunteer service and found the arrangements consistent with applicable rules.
Mizelle added that Kushner would continue working with legal advisers to ensure compliance with relevant requirements.
Kushner’s diplomatic and business background
During Trump’s first administration, Kushner played a significant role in negotiations that led to the Abraham Accords, which established or normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
After Trump left office in 2021, Kushner founded Affinity Partners. According to Bloomberg, the investment firm had $6.2 billion in assets at the end of 2025.
In the current administration, Kushner has worked alongside US special envoy Steve Witkoff on diplomatic initiatives. CREW’s complaint also refers to reports that Kushner participated in negotiations before Trump formally announced his envoy role.
The case follows earlier legal challenges over Elon Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency, which raised similar questions about the exercise of government authority without Senate confirmation.
The court will now consider the watchdog’s arguments and the administration’s response. The lawsuit places renewed focus on the legal boundaries between informal diplomatic assistance, private business interests and official government responsibilities.
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