WASHINGTON (AP) – As Donald Trump and President Barack Obama met privately at the White House, the president-elect’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, strolled the mansion’s South Lawn, deep in conversation with Obama’s chief of staff.
Kushner held no formal role in Trump’s campaign, and is said to be undecided on whether he’ll join the administration. But his presence during the White House visit served notice that Kushner will continue to be an unparalleled power center in Trump’s orbit, with or without a West Wing office.
In the days since Trump’s stunning victory over Hillary Clinton, Kushner has been deeply involved in the decision-making over senior White House and Cabinet posts, according to people close to the transition team. He’s said to have been an advocate for Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus becoming White House chief of staff, an appointment that was announced Sunday.
Kushner, 35, and husband of Trump’s daughter Ivanka was frequently by his father-in-law’s side during the final stretch of the bruising White House race. He spearheaded the campaign’s data operation, had a hand in some policy speeches, and was often the last person Trump spoke to before making major decisions.
“Everyone on the campaign and transition leadership team would love him to come to Washington,” Hope Hicks, Trump’s press secretary, said of Kushner. Noting Kushner’s expansive role in the campaign, Hicks added, “People are hopeful that will continue in the administration.”