Why Jared Kushner Is Back in Trump’s Diplomatic Playbook

According to officials cited by the Associated Press, Jared Kushner diplomacy has returned to the center of U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s second term.

Nearly a year into the administration, Jared Kushner diplomacy is once again shaping sensitive negotiations despite Kushner holding no formal government position. Officials say Jared Kushner diplomacy was sought as talks on Ukraine and Gaza reached critical moments and required additional leverage.

The Associated Press reported that Jared Kushner diplomacy is now operating alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff, combining differing negotiation styles as the White House pushes for progress.

Diplomats familiar with the discussions told AP that Jared Kushner diplomacy draws on his experience from Trump’s first term, particularly during the Abraham Accords negotiations. While Jared Kushner diplomacy is viewed internally as a potential deal-closing mechanism, it has also attracted scrutiny.

Critics cited by AP note that Jared Kushner diplomacy exists alongside extensive private business interests in the Middle East, raising concerns over conflicts of interest.

Still, officials told the Associated Press that Trump views Jared Kushner diplomacy as a trusted backchannel during stalled negotiations. As talks continue, Jared Kushner diplomacy remains a central, and controversial, feature of Trump’s foreign policy approach, according to multiple officials familiar with the matter.