Jared Kushner, shown in September 2019, holds biweekly meetings in the West Wing to discuss the wall’s progress with government officials. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
(JTA) — Jared Kushner has added a new job to his White House portfolio, this time as U.S.-China trade negotiator.
Kushner, who is married to President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, has increased his direct involvement in the negotiations with China over the past two weeks, Reuters reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the talks.
A White House official confirmed Kushner’s involvement, Reuters reported.
Washington and Beijing are trying to reach an initial agreement to avoid new U.S. tariffs set to start on Dec. 15.
Kushner played a pivotal role toward the end of U.S. negotiations with Canada and Mexico in 2018 to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, according to the report.
Late last month, the Washington Post reported that Kushner was tapped to oversee construction of the Mexico border wall.
Kushner’s other wide-ranging responsibilities include negotiating a Middle East peace deal, overseeing criminal justice reform and modernizing the government. He also has a leadership role in the 2020 campaign.
The Middle East peace deal has reportedly been completed but not yet presented publicly.
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