Watchdog group sues Trump administration over Jared Kushners government work

A watchdog group filed suit Wednesday alleging President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner’s current role as a top envoy for the administration is unlawful and raises numerous conflict-of-interest concerns.Kushner is wielding tremendous influence internationally “without having been confirmed by the Senate and without having filed a single financial disclosure,” the suit by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, reads.Kushner “has not been properly vetted for his government role, and he has evaded transparency obligations that aim to ensure he exercises government authority for the good of the American people and not himself,” the suit reads.

The suit seeks to have Kushner removed from his position or at least file financial disclosure statements.Chad Mizelle, an attorney for Jared Kushner, said in a statement that the suit “is without merit.” “Both outside ethics counsel and government ethics attorneys have reviewed Jared Kushner’s volunteer government service and confirmed that his arrangements comply with applicable ethics requirements.Jared receives no government salary or compensation, pays his own expenses, and will continue working with counsel to ensure ongoing compliance,” Mizelle said.A White House spokesperson ripped CREW and the suit in a separate statement.“CREW is an unserious, Trump-deranged organization that has been attacking President Trump, his family, and his administration since the first term.

Jared Kushner is a proven dealmaker” with a record of success “that more than speaks for itself,” the spokesperson, Anna Kelly, said in a statement.“His personal business activities have nothing to do with his diplomatic engagements, which he conducts on a volunteer basis at the President’s request and while paying his own expenses,” the statement said.

The suit mentions numerous overlapping interests in Kushner’s diplomatic and business work.For SubscribersFOR SUBSCRIBERSApple’s Ho...