House Speaker Mike Johnson said Jared Kushner "hedges bets" when asked Sunday about a reported private meeting between Kushner and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries that has sparked debate in both parties. The Louisiana Republican made the remark during an interview on Fox News after host Peter Doocy referenced a New York Times report that Jeffries and Kushner recently met privately and discussed potential areas of common ground. "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." The speaker added that he believes Republicans will retain control of the House despite expectations that Democrats could reclaim the chamber in November's midterm elections. Newsweek reached out to Johnson, Jeffries, and Kushner on Sunday. During the exchange, Doocy noted that Jeffries could become speaker if Democrats win the House and pointed to reports that Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a frequent outside adviser, had met with the Democratic leader.
Johnson largely declined to comment on the substance of the reported meeting, instead pivoting to the political outlook for Republicans. "You better not bet against the House Republicans," Johnson said. "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 described the midterms as a "contrast election" and predicted Republicans would maintain their majority. The reported meeting comes as Democrats are increasingly favored to win back the House in November, which would likely make Jeffries speaker. Recent polling, prediction markets and Democratic gains in special elections have fueled reported expectations that Republicans could lose control of the chamber, a possibility Johnson appeared to dismiss in his Fox interview.
The Times reported Sunday that Jeffries and Kushner recently met in New York City and discussed several issues that could potentially attract bipartisan interest. According to the report, topics included housing, immigration and the cost of living. Kushner also reportedly suggested that Jeffries meet with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Neither Jeffries nor Kushner publicly commented on the meeting, according to the Times. It also comes as Republicans and Democrats continue to attack each other on the campaign trail ahead of the midterms. The reported meeting drew criticism from some Democrats and Trump critics.
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