April 29, 2018

After Public Outcry, White House Ethics Office Probes Suspicious Loans to Kushner Companies

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/27/after-public-outcry-white-house-ethics-office-probes-suspicious-loans-kushner
"The probe comes in response to ethics concerned raised by journalists, lawmakers, and watchdog groups, after the New York Times reported late last month that Kushner Companies received more than half a billion dollars in loans after Kushner met with two financial executives to discuss official White House business—and, a few days later, The Intercept reported that a month after the firm failed to secure an investment from the Qatari government, Kushner advised Trump to provide essential support for Saudi Arabia and the UAE's bockade of Qatar. The letter (pdf) was written by acting director of the Office of Government Ethics David Apol and addressed to Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), a member of the House Oversight Committee who started asking questions after the Times report about Kushner Companies receiving a $184 million loan from Apollo Global Management and a $325 million loan from Citigroup. Jared Kushner stepped down from managing the company to join his father-in-law's administration, but he remains a part owner. Apol's letter acknowledges that even the discussion of private business during Kushner's meetings with the financial executives could be cause for concern, but "more importantly, if there was a connection between the potential loan and an official act, it could raise an issue under 18 U.S.C. § 201 (bribery and illegal gratuities)." It also notes Krishnamoorthi's proposition that Kushner's actions could "constitute a breach of his ethical obligations to the American people"."