Jared Kushner has rapidly re-emerged as a central figure in the political and economic landscape during Donald Trump’s second term as president. He is involved in a major media merger, specifically the bid by Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which is heavily financed by Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, and sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. This acquisition could grant these foreign investors substantial influence over key American media outlets, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the implications for media independence.

Kushner has raised over $3 billion for Affinity Partners since leaving the Trump administration, including a significant $2 billion investment from the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund, despite warnings from Saudi advisers regarding the risks associated with Kushner’s track record. The scale of the Paramount-Warner bid, with foreign funds offering around $24 billion, highlights the potential for foreign autocracies to shape American political communication.

Members of Congress from both parties have expressed concerns about the deal, with some calling for antitrust investigations. The implications of such media consolidation could lead to increased market power for companies like Netflix, potentially affecting subscription prices and media diversity.

Kushner's influence extends beyond media, as he has also played a role in U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the recent Gaza initiative, which has resulted in a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. His connections with Gulf states, which are also funding his private equity ventures, illustrate a convergence of political and economic interests.

Additionally, Kushner has been involved in U.S. diplomacy concerning Ukraine, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and engaging in discussions with Ukrainian officials, despite lacking formal government roles. This raises questions about the privatization of foreign policy and the alignment of personal financial interests with national interests.

Kushner’s Affinity Partners is also pursuing a $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts, which will require scrutiny from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The ongoing right-wing efforts to undermine media independence and regulatory bodies further complicate the landscape, as seen in the political changes at CBS under David Ellison, who has ties to Trump.

As the Supreme Court considers cases that could weaken independent federal agencies, the potential for unchecked consolidation of power by Kushner and Trump raises significant concerns about the future of American democracy and media integrity.