Behind the Scenes: Kushner’s Quiet Influence on Trump’s Middle East Diplomacy

In a significant development ahead of President Donald Trump’s upcoming Middle East tour, CNN has learned that Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and former senior advisor, has been quietly providing strategic guidance to administration officials navigating complex regional dynamics. Despite holding no official position in the second Trump administration, Kushner’s extensive relationships with key regional leaders have made him an invaluable resource as the White House pursues ambitious diplomatic goals.

Leveraging First-Term Relationships

Kushner, who served as a chief Middle East negotiator during Trump’s first term and was instrumental in brokering the historic Abraham Accords, has maintained deep connections with influential leaders throughout the region. These relationships, particularly his close personal bond with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have positioned him as a uniquely valuable advisor as the administration prepares for high-stakes meetings in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

“When it comes to the Middle East, Jared is an expert,” a senior administration official told CNN. “He knows all the players and is one of the few people who has the ear of the Arab leaders, as well as the Israelis.”

The president’s son-in-law has been particularly focused on helping administration officials navigate sensitive talks with Saudi leaders, with whom he developed strong ties during Trump’s first term. Sources familiar with their relationship note that Kushner and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman established a direct line of communication—often exchanging messages via WhatsApp—that continues to this day.

Economic Agreements and Abraham Accords Expansion

According to sources familiar with the planning, Trump’s primary objective during next week’s trip is to secure “economic agreements” that would enhance investment from the wealthy Gulf states into the United States. However, Kushner and other Trump advisers have been working toward the more ambitious goal of expanding the Abraham Accords—the series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations negotiated during Trump’s first term.

“That is a topic of discussion,” one senior White House official confirmed to CNN.

The administration views face-to-face meetings between Trump and Saudi leaders as a crucial opportunity to advance these diplomatic efforts, though officials acknowledge they don’t expect to leave the Middle East with a finalized agreement with Riyadh.

“We fully expect other countries to sign (agreements) first before Saudi,” one senior Trump administration official involved in the talks said, adding that Trump officials are engaged in conversations with a “wide range of countries.”

Navigating Changed Regional Dynamics

The diplomatic landscape in the Middle East has transformed dramatically since Trump’s first term, creating new challenges for normalization efforts. Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza have strained relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, complicating the path toward expanded peace agreements.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has publicly stated that Riyadh will not normalize relations with Israel until there is a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood and a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza—conditions that appear far from being met at present.

Despite these obstacles, people close to Kushner say he believes there are proposals the administration could offer the Crown Prince that might soften his stance on joining the Accords. While specifics remain closely guarded, one senior administration official noted Kushner’s unconventional approach to problem-solving.

“There’s a way, and Jared’s thought about this a lot. He thinks outside the box. But there’s a way to potentially solve that part for the Saudis and have them start taking steps toward normalization,” the official said.

Working Through Informal Channels

Kushner’s current role is entirely unofficial—he has neither sought nor accepted a formal position in Trump’s second administration. This arrangement appears to suit both parties, with Kushner preferring to operate behind the scenes.

“He likes having the freedom to do what he does. He wants to operate behind the scenes until he has something successful he can more publicly point to,” a senior administration official explained.

Much of Kushner’s influence flows through his close personal relationship with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy who has taken on an expanded portfolio that includes negotiations with Russia and Iran. Administration officials and those close to Kushner note that the two have been in regular contact since the presidential transition.

“He’s been able to help Steve (Witkoff) get connected with folks there, he gives Steve input,” one official said. Another added: “He’s been Witkoff’s biggest champion, helping him understand the issues and navigate the personalities. He’s comfortable being in the background.”

Kushner attended Witkoff’s White House swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday. In addition to advising Witkoff, he has occasionally met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also currently serving as Trump’s interim National Security Adviser.

Investment Connections and Potential Conflicts

Some foreign policy experts and Trump critics have raised concerns about Kushner’s continued involvement in Middle East diplomacy, pointing to his business interests in the region. Shortly after leaving Washington following Trump’s first term, Kushner founded Affinity Partners, an investment firm that received significant backing from sovereign wealth funds in Gulf states.

These connections have prompted questions about potential conflicts of interest as he advises the administration on policy matters that could affect countries where he maintains business relationships.

The White House, however, has defended Kushner’s informal role. “Mr. Kushner led some of the first Administration’s biggest successes, including the historic Abraham Accords to help bring peace to the Middle East. There is no question this Administration values his expertise and welcomes his advice on all areas where he is willing to be helpful,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement to CNN.

Delegation Details and Trip Outlook

While Kushner is unlikely to join Trump on the trip, the president will travel with a substantial delegation including several cabinet officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are expected to fly to the region separately from Trump to participate in meetings. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is also expected to join the delegation, along with most senior White House staff, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Trump’s deputy chiefs.

“There were a lot of people who wanted to be a part of this trip,” one administration official noted, highlighting the significance attached to this diplomatic mission.

During an appearance at the Israeli embassy in Washington this week, Witkoff expressed optimism about expanding the Abraham Accords in the near future. “We think will have some or a lot of announcements very, very shortly,” said Witkoff, who is expected to accompany Trump on his Middle East visit.

As President Trump embarks on this crucial diplomatic mission, Kushner’s behind-the-scenes influence represents a striking continuity between the first and second Trump administrations’ approach to Middle East policy—leveraging personal relationships and economic incentives to pursue diplomatic breakthroughs in a region defined by longstanding conflicts and rapidly evolving challenges.

About The Author