AOC Questions Jeffries' Private Meeting with Kushner

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed concern about House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' private meeting with Jared Kushner, saying she didn't know what it was about. She previously criticized Kushner's influence without formal position. Jeffries defended the meeting as an opportunity to discuss affordability.

The meeting between Jeffries and Kushner was first reported by The New York Times in late August, occurring ahead of November's midterm elections. According to two people with knowledge of the discussion, Kushner advised Jeffries to connect with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, with the conversation reportedly covering housing, immigration, and cost-of-living concerns.

AOC's remarks follow her earlier criticism that Kushner wields political influence without holding a formal position, which she argues lacks the accountability and transparency expected of such a role. Notably, in June she backed Jeffries' continued leadership for the first time in two election cycles, citing his focus on affordability. Jeffries has defended the meeting, stating Kushner initiated contact and that Democrats continue opposing the administration on tariffs, the Affordable Care Act, and nutritional assistance.