Jared Kushner scolds CNN over 'deeply misleading’ report, says key info buried behind paywall

Jared Kushner has accused CNN of publishing a misleading story suggesting his diplomatic work in the Middle East benefited his firm’s investments in Israeli defense companies. He argues that CNN’s own report acknowledged no indication that his diplomatic actions directly affected the investments, but this detail was buried behind a paywall. Kushner clarified that his company, Affinity Partners, invests in Phoenix, a large, regulated Israeli financial institution, not directly in defense companies, and that he has no control over Phoenix’s investment decisions.

• Jared Kushner criticized a CNN report for suggesting his diplomatic work in the Middle East created a conflict of interest with his firm’s investments in Israeli companies.
• Kushner stated that CNN’s report acknowledged no indication that his diplomatic actions influenced the investments, but this fact was hidden behind a paywall.
• He explained that his firm, Affinity Partners, invested in Phoenix, a broad financial institution, not directly in defense companies, and he does not control Phoenix’s investment choices.
• CNN’s report noted that Phoenix has invested in firms involved in military campaigns, and that these companies saw stock value increases, with Affinity standing to profit from Phoenix’s success.
• Kushner maintained that his investment in Phoenix is public, predates his return to public service, and that Affinity does not own the defense companies highlighted by CNN.