Trump is keeping it in the family when it comes to naming White House advisers. The former Apprentice host will make Jared Kushner a senior White House adviser, the New York Timesreported Monday. Kushner, who married Trump's daughter Ivanka in 2009, possesses approximately zero governmental experience.
Kushner has been a crucial force behind Trump's hiring decisions thus far, holding the position of what one campaign source described as "the first among equals." That relationship, the Timesreported, is expected to continue once Kushner is in the White House with his father-in-law.
During the transition process, Kushner has reportedly been in talks with foreign leaders while allegedly representing his own Kushner Companies. For example, as the Times reported earlier this month, Kushner reportedly dined with Anbang Insurance Group chairman Wu Xiaohui at the La Chine restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan back in November. The two were reportedly "nearing" an agreement on the redevelopment of 666 Fifth Avenue after first beginning talks months earlier.
The WilmerHale firm has now been hired by Kushner's team to provide counsel on how the hell they're supposed to honor ethics laws if appointed. Thus far, WilmerHale has revealed that Kushner will resign from his post as Kushner Companies chief executive and divest assets including, allegedly, his stake in the 666 renovations. Kushner, however, is only required to make "limited" financial disclosures.
In December, a "friend of the Trumps" spoke with the Washington Post's Kate Andersen Brower about the rumored first lady-esque role of Ivanka Trump and the rest of the family's White House plans. "Ivanka and Jared and Don Jr. are more influential than any Cabinet member," the source said.
