Kushner Denies 'Fabricated' Claims of Hacked Phone and $2B Gulf Slush Fund

Key points

• An excerpt from Matthew Cole’s book 'Princes and Thieves' alleges Kushner accessed a UAE-linked account at First Abu Dhabi Bank, which received roughly $750 million routed through Azerbaijan.
• The report claims Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed funded a combined $2 billion in 'slush funds' to influence U.S. foreign policy, including Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
• Dutch intelligence allegedly gained access to Kushner’s iPhone after a Russian GRU hacker defected to British and Dutch authorities, allowing them to capture screen images of his financial activities.
• Kushner’s legal team and the White House have denied all accusations, labeling them 'defamatory' and 'complete fiction,' and have threatened legal action against the author and publication.
• The allegations suggest Kushner acted as a signatory for accounts disguised as government charities, potentially violating U.S. disclosure laws, though no formal charges have been filed.

Background

This controversy follows recent scrutiny of Kushner’s business ties to Israeli defense contractors and his role in diplomatic negotiations. In October 2026, his firm Affinity Partners reported significant profits from investments in Israeli military suppliers, raising ethical questions about his unpaid envoy role. Additionally, protests in Albania over a luxury resort linked to Kushner and Ivanka Trump have highlighted broader public sensitivity regarding his international business dealings and political influence.

How outlets are covering it

Vanity Fair and The Times of India present the allegations as a serious potential breach of U.S. law, citing specific financial routes through Azerbaijan and Cyprus, as well as the involvement of Dutch and British intelligence. They emphasize the lack of presidential authorization for Kushner’s access to foreign funds. In contrast, CBS News and Yahoo News focus heavily on Kushner’s and the White House’s vehement denials, highlighting the absence of verifiable evidence such as bank statements or wire transfers. Kushner’s team argues the book is a 'fabrication' by a 'failed spy thriller writer,' while the White House communications director called the article 'bullshit.' The outlets differ in tone: Vanity Fair provides detailed technical and financial specifics, while CBS and Yahoo prioritize the political fallout and the administration’s defensive response.

Why it matters

The allegations, if substantiated, could represent a significant violation of U.S. foreign policy and financial disclosure laws, potentially impacting the credibility of the Trump administration’s Middle East diplomacy. The involvement of major Gulf states and the use of intelligence services to uncover the alleged transactions raise questions about the integrity of U.S. diplomatic channels and the potential for foreign influence in domestic policy. The legal threats from Kushner’s team suggest a potential high-profile defamation case, which could further polarize public opinion on the issue.

What to watch

Kushner’s legal team has indicated intent to pursue legal action against those responsible for the allegations, though specific targets have not been named. The White House has dismissed the claims as fiction, but the lack of independent verification by major news outlets like CBS News leaves the matter in a state of contested narrative. Future developments may depend on whether additional evidence emerges or if formal investigations are launched by congressional or federal authorities.