As President Donald Trump prepares for his first significant overseas visit of his second term, with the Middle East as a primary destination, Jared Kushner is once again playing a key role, according to a report by CNN on Friday.
Though he is not part of the official travel team, Kushner has been actively advising on diplomatic efforts with Arab nations behind the scenes. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that his outreach includes ongoing discussions with leaders in countries such as Saudi Arabia.
Kushner’s renewed involvement draws on the deep ties he built with Middle Eastern leaders during Trump’s previous term. His contributions have been particularly valuable in talks centered on expanding diplomatic normalization between Israel and Arab states—a continuation of the Abraham Accords initiated during Trump’s first time in office, CNN reported.
A main objective of Trump’s upcoming journey is to finalize economic agreements with nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These deals are intended to channel new investments into the American economy. At the same time, Trump’s team, with Kushner’s guidance, is pursuing the larger goal of bringing more Arab countries into the fold of the Abraham Accords.
Although Kushner won’t be traveling with the president, his strategic input remains crucial. He played an essential role in brokering the 2020 normalization agreement between Israel and the UAE and is now offering critical insight as the administration shapes its approach to talks with Saudi leadership.
Insiders say they don’t expect a dramatic breakthrough with Riyadh during this trip, but stress the importance of the discussions. “We fully expect other countries to sign (agreements) first before Saudi,” said one senior administration official, emphasizing the long-term nature of the effort.
White House officials continue to credit Kushner’s diplomatic skills and regional knowledge. “When it comes to the Middle East, Jared is an expert,” one senior official stated. “He knows all the players and is one of the few people who has the ear of the Arab leaders, as well as the Israelis.”
CNN noted that Kushner’s close rapport with the Saudi Crown Prince remains a potential asset. He is reportedly reviewing proposals that might pave the way for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords—contingent on progress toward a Palestinian state.
Even though Kushner doesn’t hold an official title in the delegation, his close contact with key figures involved in the trip, including Steve Witkoff, reflects his continued influence. He remains actively engaged in strategy discussions and offers guidance based on his familiarity with both regional dynamics and the individuals involved.
“Jared’s been able to help Steve (Witkoff) get connected with folks there, he gives Steve input,” a senior official told CNN. “He’s comfortable being in the background, but he’s been Witkoff’s biggest champion.”
This report aligns with CNN’s coverage from November, shortly after Trump’s return to the White House, which described Kushner as central to shaping the administration’s vision for the Middle East—even though he is not expected to assume a formal government role.
In a related note, Kushner’s wife Ivanka Trump announced in 2022 that both she and Kushner would be stepping away from political life to focus on their family. “While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena,” she said at the time.
{Matzav.com}