Jared Kushner's Low-Profile Advising Ahead Of Trump's Middle East Trip

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Past Role in Middle East Negotiations

Kushner's involvement in Middle East peace negotiations during the Trump administration was undeniably significant. His efforts culminated in the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.

The Abraham Accords and their Lasting Impact

• Key Contributions: Kushner played a central role in brokering the Abraham Accords, engaging in direct negotiations with key players from Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. His unconventional approach, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels, was both praised and criticized.
• Normalization Agreements: The Accords resulted in the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, opening up new avenues for economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional stability. This achievement significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
• Long-term Implications: The long-term impact of the Abraham Accords remains to be seen. However, they are widely considered a landmark achievement in Middle East peace negotiations, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics. Kushner's influence is undeniable in this success.

Challenges and Criticisms of his Approach

• Lack of Transparency: Critics pointed to a lack of transparency in Kushner's negotiations, arguing that the process excluded key stakeholders, particularly the Palestinians.
• Insufficient Palestinian Involvement: The absence of meaningful Palestinian participation in the initial Abraham Accords negotiations drew considerable criticism, raising concerns about the long-term viability and fairness of the agreements.
• Kushner's Strategy: His “deal-first” approach, focusing on normalization agreements before addressing the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was a subject of significant debate. Many argued that this approach prioritized short-term gains over long-term peacebuilding.

The Nature of Kushner's Current Involvement

While no longer holding an official government position, evidence suggests Jared Kushner continues to advise Trump on Middle East matters. This advising, however, is largely characterized by its low-profile nature.

Evidence of Behind-the-Scenes Advising

• Informal Consultations: Reports indicate informal consultations and exchanges between Kushner and Trump regarding Middle East policy. While these interactions lack the transparency of official government proceedings, they point to a continued advisory role.
• Strategic Counsel: Given his deep understanding of the region gained during his time in the White House, Kushner likely provides Trump with strategic counsel, shaping his perspective and approach to future negotiations.
• Quiet Influence: Kushner's influence is likely exerted subtly, through informal channels and personal connections, making it difficult to quantify precisely.

Potential Areas of Influence on Trump's Trip

• Policy Recommendations: Kushner’s insights might shape Trump’s policy recommendations for the trip, impacting discussions about regional security, economic development, and diplomatic relations.
• Agenda Setting: His input could play a role in setting the agenda for Trump’s meetings and interactions with foreign leaders, potentially prioritizing specific issues and relationships.
• Key Meetings: Kushner might advise on which key individuals and organizations Trump should meet with during his trip, influencing the trajectory of the diplomatic endeavors.

The Significance of Kushner's Continued Influence

Kushner's continued involvement, albeit behind the scenes, carries significant implications for Trump's diplomatic efforts and US foreign policy in the Middle East.

Potential Impact on Trump's Diplomatic Efforts

• Diplomatic Success: Kushner's expertise could contribute positively to the success of Trump's trip, leveraging his established relationships and understanding of regional dynamics to facilitate progress in specific areas.
• Regional Stability: His counsel might foster greater regional stability, but also potentially exacerbate existing tensions if his past strategies are re-applied.
• Geopolitical Implications: The outcome of Trump's visit, potentially influenced by Kushner's advising, carries wide-ranging geopolitical implications for the region and for US foreign policy.

The Broader Implications for US Foreign Policy

• Middle East Strategy: Kushner's continued influence reflects a broader trend of informal and unconventional approaches to Middle Eastern diplomacy, with implications for the future direction of US policy in the region.
• American Influence: The level of influence Kushner still wields affects the perception and efficacy of American influence in Middle Eastern affairs, with both proponents and opponents of his approach offering various perspectives.
• Geopolitical Landscape: The lingering impact of Kushner's past initiatives, along with his potential future influence, fundamentally shapes the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner's low-profile advising ahead of Trump's Middle East trip highlights the complex and often unseen dynamics shaping US foreign policy. While his influence remains largely behind the scenes, his past achievements and continued engagement suggest a significant potential impact on Trump's diplomatic endeavors and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. His approach, both praised and criticized, continues to spark debate about the best methods for achieving peace and stability in the region. To stay updated on developments related to Jared Kushner's advising and Trump's Middle East trip, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media. Further reading on the Abraham Accords and US Middle East policy is also recommended.