Preparing for defeat? Jared Kushner's secret meeting

Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, secretly met with House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who may become Speaker in January. The meeting, reported by the New York Times, aimed to explore possible areas of cooperation between the administration and Democratic leadership in the House, against the backdrop of polls giving Democrats a six-point lead and a 76% chance of taking the House.

Jared Kushner, son-in-law and special envoy of US President Donald Trump, secretly met in recent weeks with House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The meeting took place at a private location in New York, mediated by a mutual acquaintance, and was reported by the New York Times based on five sources familiar with the details. The two discussed housing, immigration, and the cost of living, and explored areas for cooperation between the administration and Democratic leadership. Kushner even suggested that Jeffries meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The meeting stands out against the backdrop of the hostile public tone between the sides: Trump called Jeffries a "thug," and Jeffries accuses the president of corruption. Polls explain the move: a national average gives Democrats a six-point lead and a 76% chance of taking the House. In the Senate, Republicans maintain a slim 54% chance of retaining the majority. The central scenario is a divided Congress, which could lead to legislative paralysis and budget battles.