The Washington Post has published a report that some are describing as a “bombshell.” If that’s the case, it’s a bit of a dud. According to the Washington Post, at least four countries have internally discussed ways to exploit President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. In reality, we can be all but certain that far more countries have discussed the same because that’s how diplomacy works.
Despite all the fuss, this particular revelation reveals little more than common sense. Foreign diplomats will always be looking for ways to gain leverage over foreign rivals. Right now, in American embassies around the world and in policy circles in D.C., American foreign policy experts are surely doing the same. Regardless, the Main Street Media has been portraying the story as some grand, tabloid-esque revelation.
There is one worrisome element to the Washington Post report, however. It appears that Kushner may have arranged meetings with foreign diplomats outside of established protocols. If true, Kushner made a serious misstep and would have been far more vulnerable to exploitation.
If reports are true, Kushner may have worked around the normal protocols, denying himself access to the sage advice of America’s diplomats.
Support for the Department of State may have waned in recent years. However, our diplomats serve a very valuable role. Every foreign country is about as complex as the United States. Local political factions, racial tensions, societal issues—there are so many factors to consider. Meanwhile, each diplomat presents their own enigma. What does the ambassador from so-and-so country want? What might his weaknesses be?
America’s diplomatic corps is among the best in the world at figuring these things out. Armed with knowledge, they can help protect American leaders who might be vulnerable to manipulation while also providing them with insights they can use as leverage.
If reports are true, Kushner may have worked around the normal protocols, denying himself access to the sage advice of America’s diplomats. He may have also exposed himself and, by extension, the White House and the United States to danger. So what happened?
It appears that some foreign leaders wanted to talk with Kushner directly, avoiding more experienced personnel. This revelation isn’t shocking either: Kushner’s lack of foreign policy experience and business debts would leave him vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. So, of course, foreign diplomats would try to arrange such meetings.
What is unsettling is the fact that Kushner appears to have agreed to these meetings. Many are now wondering if foreign leaders might have tried to offer carrots—say, investments for the Kushner family’s struggling real estate projections—in exchange for inside access to the White House or other favors.
It appears that H.R. McMaster, the US national security advisor, became aware of the meetings with foreigners and quickly clamped down. Afterwards, Kushner began to coordinate his meetings and to facilitate them through the appropriate channels. He was also given access to foreign policy experts who could advise him on the countries and leaders he was working with. This is a huge step in the right direction.
As a result of the revelation and other issues, Kushner has seen his security clearance downgraded from top-secret to secret level. As such, Kushner is no longer supposed to have access to highly confidential information, such as the president’s daily intelligence briefings.
Reportedly, special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has also taken interest in the potential meetings and whether or not they may have broken any laws.
