Jared Kushner has reportedly become a top target in Special Council Robert Mueller’s investigation of the Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, with reports that the top White House adviser’s business and financial dealings are under intense scrutiny and increasing chatter that he could end up in prison.
There have been rumors for months that Kushner was a top target of the investigation, with a strong focus on his meetings with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and Sergey Gorkov, the head of a top Russian bank. On Thursday, those rumors received a measure of confirmation, with the Washington Post reporting that Kushner is indeed a target for the investigation.
The investigation is still in the early stages, CNN reported, and not yet any indication that Jared Kushner or others involved in the probe could face criminal charges.
Kushner’s attorney said any scrutiny on his financial dealings would be a standard part of the investigation.
“We do not know what this report refers to,” Jamie Gorelick, Kushner’s attorney, told CNN . “It would be standard practice for the special counsel to examine financial records to look for anything related to Russia. Mr. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about Russia-related matters. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry.”
But others have already predicted that Jared Kushner will end up in jail for his involvement, which allegedly includes failing to disclose the meetings with the Russian ambassador.
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Paste magazine writer Jacob Weindling wrote a story about whether Kushner could be headed to jail, noting that the evidence doesn’t look good for Trump’s son-in-law.
“This is something that can only be demonstrated in a court room, so it’s impossible to come to any firm conclusion given how early we are in this process, but the circumstantial evidence is a bit overwhelming,” he wrote. “Kushner met with the head of Putin’s most trusted bank and spoke with the Russian ambassador three times between April and November, then proposed setting up a communications channel owned and operated by the Russians in a meeting with Michael Flynn and Kislyak, who both discussed American sanctions on Russia later that month. None of this was disclosed to the federal government.”
You don’t forget a meeting like that. Kushner didn’t reveal it. Forget his security clearance. That’s punishable by five years in jail.
— Jamil Smith ???? ???? (@JamilSmith) May 27, 2017
Kushner has emerged as one of the most powerful figures in Donald Trump’s inner circle, taking the lead on many key initiatives, including the arms deal with Saudi Arabia that topped $100 billion.
If Jared Kushner does end up in prison for either his financial dealings or potential involvement with Russia, it would still likely be a long way away. Experts have noted that Mueller’s investigation is still in the early stages and it could be many months — even years — before the inquiry comes to a conclusion.
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