FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2016

Contact: Daniel Stevens, dstevens@campaignforaccountability.org, 202.780.5750

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Campaign for Accountability (CfA) filed Freedom of Information Act requests with the FBI and Department of Justice seeking any criminal records regarding President-elect Donald J. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.  Mr. Kushner is reportedly seeking a position in the White House although anti-nepotism rules may preclude this.

Click on the links below to read the FOIAs

• FBI
• Department of Justice, Criminal Division
• Executive Office for United States Attorneys
• Request for Expedition

CfA Executive Director Anne Weismann stated, “In light of Jared Kushner’s influence with President-elect Trump – and the fact that Mr. Kusher may be seeking a position for which a security clearance may be required – it is critical for Americans to know whether the FBI discovered any evidence he engaged in any criminal conduct.”

In 2001, the Federal Election Commission investigated Mr. Kushner’s father, Charles Kushner, and his business associates, including Jared Kushner and other family members, for violating campaign finance laws.  The FEC found reason to believe Jared Kushner had exceeded the then-aggregate contribution limit of $25,000 in a calendar year by making $41,000 in contributions.  The case was ultimately dismissed after Mr. Kushner, his father and others agreed to pay then-record civil penalties of more than $500,000.  Following the FEC action, then-New Jersey U.S. Attorney Chris Christie opened a criminal investigation. Charles Kushner ultimately pleaded guilty to tax evasion, witness tampering, and making illegal campaign donations.

Because of the intense public interest in the Trump transition and its advisors, and the key role Mr. Kushner is expected to play, CfA has sought expedition, asking that the documents be provided within ten business days.

Shortly before the election, the FBI released records from the 2001 investigation into President Clinton’s pardon of Marc Rich.  The bureau also has publicly discussed its investigation into former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, as FBI Director James Comey, stated, because “the American people deserve those details in a case of intense public interest.”

Ms. Weismann continued, “Given the extent to which Jared Kushner already has been in the public spotlight as the son-in-law of and close advisor to President-elect Trump, the anticipated role he will play in a Trump administration, and the already publicly available information concerning his violations of campaign finance laws, the public has the right to know whether and the extent to which Mr. Kushner may have engaged in illegal activities.”

Campaign for Accountability is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization that uses research, litigation, and aggressive communications to expose misconduct and malfeasance in public life and hold those who act at the expense of the public good accountable for their actions.