Before entering politics, Jared Kushner expanded the family’s real estate business and in 2006, at the age of 25, bought the New York Observer newspaper. He later became CEO of Kushner Companies, where he managed major investments in New York and elsewhere.
The special US envoy has attracted attention for years because of his close ties to the top of American politics and because of his business deals around the world.
In Serbia, his investment company was linked to a plan to convert the damaged former General Staff complex in Belgrade, a symbol of NATO bombing in 1999, into a luxury commercial complex.
The project caused strong resistance in the public and among organizations for the protection of cultural heritage, and the Serbian Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković and three other officials ended up in court on charges of illegally removing the protected status of the complex and forging documents. After public pressure, the company associated with this MP withdrew from the project.
Now his name is again at the center of controversy – this time in Albania, where luxury tourism projects linked to his company have sparked protests over environmental fears and a lack of transparency.
But who is Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump?
What about the project in Albania?
Kushner has been linked to a major real estate project in Albania, which has sparked protests across the country. His investment company “Affinity Partners” has supported a series of luxury tourism projects on the Adriatic coast, writes “Euronews”.
The proposal, worth about 1.4 billion euros, envisages turning part of Sazan Island into a luxury resort with hotels, villas, apartments, a marina and other facilities for wealthy tourists.
The project has faced resistance from environmental organizations and local activists, who warn that it could endanger sensitive ecosystems and that there is not enough transparency about the role of investors.
Trump’s son-in-law is popping up everywhere
Jared Kushner is an American businessman and advisor to US President Donald Trump. He is best known as “Trump’s son-in-law”, but during Trump’s first presidential term, from 2017 to 2021, he also played an important role in the White House, becoming one of the most influential and controversial figures in the administration.
Kushner has participated in several diplomatic initiatives related to Iran, Ukraine and Russia, including talks aimed at reducing tensions and possible peace agreements.
In recent months, he worked alongside Trump’s senior adviser, Steve Witkoff, in negotiations related to Iran’s nuclear program and the war in Ukraine.
In February 2026, President Donald Trump formally appointed Kushner as Special Envoy for Peace, giving him an official role in the administration’s international mediation efforts.
Kushner buys the New York Observer at 26
Kushner was born on January 10, 1981 in Livingston, New Jersey, into a wealthy real estate family. His father, Charles Kushner, founded the Kushner Company, which deals with real estate development and investment.
He graduated from Harvard University and then earned a law and business degree from New York University.
Before entering politics, Kushner expanded the family’s real estate business and in 2006, at the age of 25, bought the New York Observer newspaper. He later became CEO of Kushner Companies, where he managed major investments in New York and elsewhere.
In 2009, he married Ivanka Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump.
After Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election, Kushner entered the White House as a senior adviser. Although he has no previous experience in public office, he is given broad responsibilities, including criminal justice reform, trade policy, government modernization and Middle East diplomacy.
Trump’s son-in-law is in the Russian election meddling report
Trump’s son-in-law was also mentioned in special counsel Robert Mueller’s report, which investigated Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election and possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russian officials or intermediaries.
He was questioned by investigators and repeatedly appeared in the final report for meetings with Russian intermediaries, but was never charged with a crime.
One of his most notable achievements in government was his role in the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements that normalized Israel’s relations with several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Supporters credit him with changing regional diplomacy, while critics question the long-term effect of those agreements.
His great influence and close family ties to the president have often been subject to criticism. Opponents argued that his role blurred the line between public service and family loyalty.
Trump pardoned Charles and appointed him ambassador
Jared’s father, Charles Kushner, received a presidential pardon from Trump at the end of his first administration. Charles was previously convicted of tax evasion and illegal political campaign donations in 2004, after which he served two years in prison.
In 2025, the second Trump administration appointed Charles Kushner as the US ambassador to France and Monaco.
After leaving the government in 2021, Jared Kushner founded Affinity Partners, a private investment firm focused on investments in the United States, Israel and the Persian Gulf region.
The company gained a lot of attention after receiving significant financial support from the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Kushner remains an influential figure in politics and international business. Although he has largely stayed out of day-to-day political campaigning, his closeness to Trump and ties to the Middle East keep him in the global spotlight.
Will Vucic sue half of Serbia because Trump’s son-in-law withdrew?
