California Governor Gavin Newsom has disclosed in his memoir that President Trump referred to Jared Kushner as a 'schmuck' after learning Ivanka Trump was dating her future husband. This revelation came during a 2018 Marine One flight following California's wildfires, where Trump reportedly mocked Kushner's father Charles, a convicted felon pardoned by Trump in 2024.

The disclosure raises fresh questions about potential conflicts of interest as Kushner, who lacks an official administration role, reportedly brokers Middle East deals while his private equity firm Affinity Partners profits from geopolitical crises. Critics highlight the apparent contradictions between Kushner's unofficial foreign policy influence and his business interests.