Matthew Cole's book 'Princes and Thieves' alleges Jared Kushner conducted secret diplomacy for the United Arab Emirates during Trump's first administration, accessing roughly $2 billion in UAE bank accounts. The book claims Kushner worked with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (M.B.Z.) to shape U.S. Middle East policy, representing what Cole calls the worst case of foreign policy conducted outside legal oversight since the Iran-contra scandal.
Cole alleges the UAE sought to influence American policy to establish compliant regimes in Egypt, Yemen, Qatar, and Libya, while countering Obama-era policies like the Iran nuclear deal. After failing to influence Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign through proxy channel George Nader with $3.5 million, the UAE turned to Kushner after Trump's election, using intermediaries Elliott Broidy and Thomas Barrack.
Kushner was made senior adviser with a brief to pursue UAE interests. His lawyer called Cole's allegations "crazy, false and defamatory" and threatened legal action. Cole acknowledges his sources remain largely anonymous and much remains unknown about Kushner's dealings.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing