House Speaker Mike Johnson issues warning to Jared Kushner after Trump’s son-in-law meets privately with top Dem: ‘You better not bet against House Republicans’
A private meeting between Jared Kushner and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries prompted a warning from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said the president’s son-in-law “better not bet against the House Republicans.” Johnson further suggested that Republicans remain positioned to defy expectations that Democrats will reclaim the chamber in November.
Mike Johnson responds to Jared Kushner-Hakeem Jeffries meeting
During an interview on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, host Peter Doocy asked Johnson about a The New York Times report that said Jeffries, a New York Democrat, and Kushner had recently met privately in New York City. “I heard about it the first time this morning,” Johnson said. “I know Jared is a smart guy and he hedges bets, but I’m telling you what, you better not bet against the House Republicans.”
Johnson did not directly address the substance of the reported discussion, instead emphasizing his belief that Republicans will retain control of the chamber. “I’ve been all around the country the last several weeks. This is gonna come down to a race of about 19 seats that will decide the fate of the republic,” he said, describing November’s contest as a “contrast election” and predicting a Republican victory.
Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner discuss housing, immigration and more
According to The New York Times, Jeffries and Kushner discussed issues including housing, immigration and the cost of living, subjects that could potentially provide openings for bipartisan cooperation. Kushner also reportedly suggested that Jeffries meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Notably, the meeting has drawn criticism from some Democrats and Trump opponents. Former Barack Obama aide Tommy Vietor said Jeffries should work with Kushner only when seeking “documents and subpoenas.”
Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a prominent Trump critic, wrote on X, “Make this make sense.” He later suggested the Trump administration might have deliberately leaked news of the encounter.
‘I’m in favor of people meeting with whoever they want’
Some Democrats have taken a less negative view of the meeting. Appearing on NBC News’ Meet the Press on Sunday, August 23, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen said political leaders should be free to meet and discuss ideas, while cautioning that the outcome matters more than the meeting itself. “I’m in favor of people meeting with whoever they want to discuss ideas,” Van Hollen said. “But it’s one thing to have a meeting. It’s another thing to see something real come out of that.”
Democrats currently favored to retake the House
The reported meeting comes as Democrats have strengthened their position in the race for House control. The RealClear Polling Generic Congressional vote recently gave Democrats a 6-point advantage, while Kalshi and Polymarket put the party’s chances of winning the House at 86% and 84%, respectively. If Democrats win the House, Jeffries will be positioned to become speaker. Republicans, however, have an advantage in Senate projections, with Kalshi and Polymarket giving them 56% and 54% chances of retaining the chamber.