During a hearing held by the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, Republicans moved to table a motion to subpoena Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and former adviser to Donald Trump. The motion was prompted by concerns over a $2 billion investment received by Kushner’s private equity firm, Affinity Partners, from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, despite objections from the fund’s advisers.
The investment decision, made six months after Kushner left the White House, raised eyebrows due to the close relationship between Kushner and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who overruled the objections of the fund’s advisers.
The Oversight Committee convened for another hearing focused on Hunter Biden and allegations of improper business dealings benefiting his father, President Joe Biden. Despite more than a year of investigation, the committee has found no evidence to support these claims.
During the hearing, Rep. Jim Jordan praised Kushner’s work in the White House, particularly his role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Rep. Jamie Raskin then made a motion to subpoena Kushner to testify regarding the $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia. However, Jordan moved to table the motion, effectively killing it. The motion to table was passed after a vote, and Raskin’s attempt to subpoena Kushner was halted.
Although Kushner has faced questions about the investment, he has not testified before Congress on the matter.
“Of course, the Democrats don’t wanna admit that,” Jordan said.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) followed by making a motion to subpoena Kushner.
“Mr. Chairman, I have a motion,” he told Chair James Comer (R-KY). “I have a motion. I would move… that the committee issue a subpoena to Jared Kushner to compel testimony related to the $2 billion collected from Saudi Arabia after his service within the White House.”
After the motion was seconded, Jordan moved to table – or kill – the motion.
“Move to table the motion,” he said.
“The motion to table is not debatable,” Comer stated. “As many as are in favor of tabling, signify by saying ‘Aye.’”
After the “Ayes” and “Nos” were taken, Comer determined “Ayes” won and Raskin’s motion was tabled.
