By Sama Marwan,
Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump and his former senior advisor during Trump’s first presidential term, is now providing informal consultations to Trump’s team in connection with Trump’s visit to the Middle East, according to CNN. The network noted that Kushner played a key role in negotiating the Abraham Accords.
Although Kushner is not expected to formally join Trump on the trip, he remains in regular contact with officials who are preparing for key meetings in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. These discussions reportedly include talks on economic cooperation and the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords.
Sources told CNN that the main goal of the trip is to secure investment deals from Gulf countries to support U.S. economic initiatives. However, Kushner and other officials are also working on a broader diplomatic agenda that includes reviving and expanding the Abraham Accords.
A senior U.S. official stated that no major breakthrough with Saudi Arabia is expected during the trip. Nevertheless, the Trump team considers the face-to-face meetings a critical step. Other countries might sign agreements first, but engaging Riyadh remains a long-term objective.
The official also noted that Kushner holds no formal role in the administration and doesn’t appear to seek one. His involvement seems to be driven by his ongoing relationships and personal interests. Kushner prefers working behind the scenes, only stepping into the spotlight when tangible progress is made.
Meanwhile, Kushner has maintained close contact with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, assisting him in managing talks with Arab leaders.
Other key figures set to accompany Trump on his Middle East visit include:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick,
as well as several senior White House staff members.
