Top House Oversight Democrat seeks answers about Kushner’s Israeli investment following CNN report
Top House Oversight Democrat seeks answers on Kushner investment
Healfromzero.com – Top House Oversight Democrat seeks answers from Jared Kushner’s investment firm about its financial connection to an Israeli company with holdings in businesses that supply Israel’s military.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to Affinity Partners seeking information about the firm’s Middle East activities. Garcia said committee Democrats are examining whether President Donald Trump and members of his family have benefited from their proximity to government power.
“I request detailed information about your business dealings in the Middle East to understand whether your significant financial gains have come at the cost of Americans’ safety and security,” Garcia wrote.
The inquiry comes as House Democrats consider greater scrutiny of business relationships involving Trump family members if the party gains control of the chamber in the fall midterm elections.
Questions center on Phoenix Financial holdings
Top House Oversight Democrat seeks details about Affinity Partners’ stake in Phoenix Financial, a Tel Aviv-based financial services company. Affinity increased its position in Phoenix last year, shortly before Trump returned to the White House. Kushner later described Phoenix as the firm’s “best investment” in September 2025.
Israeli financial records show Phoenix invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer. The records reviewed cover insurance-related holdings and represent only part of Phoenix’s wider investment portfolio.
Phoenix also has stakes in at least eight other companies that provide equipment used by Israel’s military, including drones, warships and demolition machinery. The nine identified companies gained value last year, and several cited demand tied to the war in Gaza as a factor affecting their businesses.
Affinity does not directly own shares in those companies. However, as Phoenix’s largest shareholder, Affinity could benefit if Phoenix’s investments generate profits. The arrangement has attracted attention because Kushner has served as a volunteer Middle East peace envoy for the Trump administration.
No evidence has emerged that Kushner’s diplomatic work directly influenced the investments under review. His attorney said Kushner has never participated in or directed Phoenix decisions about buying or selling assets.
Kushner attorney cites Garcia’s pension investments
Kushner’s attorney rejected Garcia’s criticism, arguing that the congressman’s financial disclosures raise a similar issue. Garcia’s pension benefits are administered through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the California State Teachers Retirement System, which hold shares in Phoenix Financial or Elbit Systems.
“Rep. Garcia’s letter is a masterclass in irony: A member of Congress questioning a private citizen for having an interest in the same stock in which the member also holds an interest,” Kushner’s attorney said.
Garcia’s office said the congressman has no authority over investment choices made by the pension systems and cannot opt out of their holdings. A spokesperson contrasted that arrangement with Kushner’s role leading a private investment firm.
Top House Oversight Democrat seeks clarification as the dispute underscores questions about private business interests and public diplomatic responsibilities. Kushner has called reporting on his firm’s holdings “deeply misleading,” without identifying specific factual errors.
Frequently asked questions
What is Garcia requesting? Garcia is seeking detailed information from Affinity Partners about its business dealings in the Middle East and its relationship with Phoenix Financial.
Does Affinity Partners directly own military-related companies? No. Affinity holds an ownership interest in Phoenix, while Phoenix holds investments in Elbit Systems and other companies connected to military equipment.
Is there evidence that Kushner influenced Phoenix investment decisions? No evidence has emerged that his diplomatic work influenced those decisions, and his attorney says he has no role in deciding what Phoenix buys or sells.
