Throughout election season, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner was often singled out as a behind-the-scenes “de facto campaign manager.” Kushner, the publisher of the New York Observer, was a political mover-and-shaker and someone who often smoothed over relations within the campaign. He’s also said to have a great deal of influence on Trump. So naturally, people suspected that Ivanka and Jared’s move to Washington D.C. (from their long-time New York City home base) meant Kushner could be eyeing an administrative role, and now we’re hearing word of what that job could be.
According to NBC News, a senior official within the Trump transition team has confirmed that Kushner will act as a senior adviser, but of course, there are legality concerns:
Kushner was an influential behind the scenes confidant to his father-in-law throughout the 2016 campaign. But a number of legal questions complicated his potential role in the incoming administration.
“Mr. Kushner is committed to complying with federal ethics laws and we have been consulting with the Office of Government Ethics regarding the steps he would take,” Kushner’s lawyer said in a statement to NBC News.
Earlier this month, Kushner was reportedly consulting with attorneys over whether nepotism laws prevented his inclusion in the Trump administration. He was even supposedly considering an unpaid role, and reports that he’s trying to sell the Observer only added to the speculation. But according to the Trump transition official, his inclusion is practically official now.
Also, a shiny new New York magazine profile on Kushner says Trump’s son-in-law believes he never believed in birtherism, ever: “Back when Trump was spinning birther conspiracy theories, which were lapped up by gullible Republicans, one person who talked to Kushner says he offered assurances that his father-in-law didn’t really believe that stuff.” Right.
UPDATE: The incoming Trump-Pence administration has issued a statement to confirm this news. Kushner will forgo his salary to officially serve as a Trump senior adviser:
“Jared has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration,” said President-elect Trump. “He has been incredibly successful, in both business and now politics. He will be an invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda, putting the American people first.”
Chief of Staff Reince Priebus added, “Jared is a visionary with a rare ability to communicate with and assemble broad coalitions of support. His entrepreneurial mindset will be a great asset to the team as well as his open mind, adaptability and keen intellect.”
“It is an honor to serve our country,” said Kushner. “I am energized by the shared passion of the President-elect and the American people and I am humbled by the opportunity to join this very talented team.”