House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and outside adviser Jared Kushner met privately in New York, a signal that the White House is seeking ways to work with Democrats if they wrest majority control from Republicans in the midterm elections, the Associated Press reported.
The private discussion was held less than three months before the midterms. Democrats are aiming to take control of the House in the November elections, with in line to possibly become the next House Speaker if they win the majority.
It also came as Republicans — led by Trump — have cast Democrats as the party of dangerous extremes.
What was discussed?
The meeting, first reported Sunday by The New York Times, touched on issues ranging from housing, immigration, to the high costs of living.
People in the United States are struggling under inflationary prices that Democrats blame on Republicans, alongside , for failing to get under control.
Kushner suggested that Jeffries, who is in line to become House speaker if Democrats regain power in November, meet with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles as a follow-up.
In a statement Sunday, Jeffries did not mention the private conversation but said the needed to drop the GOP’s “my-way-or-the-highway” approach that “has failed the American people.”
“To stop the madness, we have repeatedly made clear that an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition,” the New York congressman was quoted by AP as saying, adding, “The question is whether Republicans will join us.”
Kushner has no formal role in the White House, but he serves as a key adviser to President Trump in overseas diplomatic negotiations. He and Jeffries worked together on criminal justice reform legislation during Trump’s first term.
What does this meeting mean?
The meeting shows the depth of Republican Party angst over losing their congressional majority, particularly the House, and the need to make inroads with the opposing party as the White House seeks to stem any potential political fallout on the president.
If Democrats retake power, the White House can expect an aggressive oversight agenda into what Jeffries has called the “crooks” in the administration, with the threat of impeachment among the many tools at the party’s disposal.
The White House did not respond to AP’s request for comment. A representative for Kushner also did not respond. Kushner is a familiar Trump emissary to Democrats.
According to the report, The New Yorkers allied during the first Trump administration on landmark legislation to allow sentencing flexibility for certain drug offenses as a way to curtail lengthy terms in the federal prison system.
(With inputs from AP)
