Kushner's Behind-the-Scenes Advice To Trump On Middle East Visit

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Role and Relationship with Trump

Jared Kushner's unique position as a senior advisor and son-in-law to President Trump granted him unprecedented access and influence. This close familial relationship significantly impacted decision-making processes within the administration, particularly on matters relating to the Middle East. His unconventional approach to diplomacy, often bypassing traditional diplomatic channels, further cemented his role as a key player in shaping US foreign policy in the region.

• Direct access to the President: Kushner enjoyed unparalleled access to Trump, allowing him to directly shape the President's thinking on Middle East issues.
• Influence on personnel selections: His input likely influenced the selection of personnel within the administration responsible for Middle East policy, ensuring alignment with his strategic vision.
• Unconventional approach to diplomacy: Kushner's approach often eschewed traditional diplomatic protocols, favoring direct engagement and less formal negotiations.

Key Policy Advice on the Middle East Visit

Kushner's policy recommendations to Trump during his Middle East visits were multifaceted and often controversial. These recommendations were shaped by the pre-existing geopolitical tensions and regional dynamics. His advice focused on several key areas:

• Approach to negotiations with specific countries: Kushner advocated for specific negotiation strategies with Israel and Palestine, emphasizing economic incentives and pragmatic solutions over immediate political breakthroughs. His "Deal of the Century" is a prime example of this approach.
• Emphasis on economic development: His approach prioritized economic development and investment in the region as a catalyst for peace, believing that economic prosperity would alleviate some of the underlying causes of conflict.
• Advice on specific meetings and diplomatic encounters: Kushner played a crucial role in advising Trump on the preparation and conduct of meetings with various regional leaders, influencing the tone and substance of these interactions.

The Impact of Kushner's Advice on Trump's Actions

Trump's actions during his Middle East visits often reflected Kushner's advice. However, there were also instances where Trump deviated from his recommendations, resulting in varied outcomes.

• Specific examples of Trump’s actions influenced by Kushner's advice: The recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the subsequent relocation of the US embassy are prime examples of policies influenced by Kushner's thinking.
• Analysis of the successes and failures of these actions: While some actions, like the Abraham Accords, achieved significant diplomatic progress, others faced criticism and raised concerns about their long-term consequences.
• Assessment of the long-term impact on US foreign policy: Kushner's influence profoundly impacted the trajectory of US foreign policy in the Middle East, prompting a shift away from traditional diplomatic strategies towards a more transactional and less process-driven approach.

Criticism and Controversy Surrounding Kushner's Role

Kushner's prominent role in shaping US Middle East policy was not without its critics. His relative lack of experience in foreign policy and concerns about potential conflicts of interest fueled considerable controversy.

• Scrutiny of Kushner's business dealings: Questions arose regarding potential conflicts of interest between his business dealings and his role in advising the President on Middle East policy.
• Critique of his lack of formal diplomatic training: Critics highlighted Kushner’s lack of formal diplomatic experience and training, raising concerns about his suitability for such a high-stakes role.
• Opposition from other foreign policy advisors: Kushner's influence often led to clashes and disagreements with other experienced foreign policy advisors within the administration.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner's influence on President Trump's Middle East policy during his visits was undeniable and far-reaching. His unique access, unconventional approach, and specific policy recommendations significantly shaped Trump's actions, resulting in both successes and failures. Understanding the complex interplay between Kushner's advice and Trump's decisions is critical to comprehending this pivotal period in US foreign policy. Further research into the specifics of Kushner's behind-the-scenes involvement is crucial to a complete understanding of this complex issue. Learn more about the intricacies of Kushner's influence and continue the conversation surrounding his impactful role in shaping US foreign policy in the Middle East.