Stewart reacts to Kushner denial read by author on Daily Show

Key points

• Matthew Cole appeared on The Daily Show on October 26, 2026, to discuss his new book, 'Princes and Thieves: Jared Kushner and Mohamed bin Zayed’s Secret Plot to Remake the Middle East.'
• Before the interview began, Cole read a statement from Kushner’s lawyer denying all allegations in the book, specifically claiming Kushner never accessed foreign accounts and always followed US rules.
• Jon Stewart reacted with confusion, asking if the reading was a bit or real, and jokingly asked if he was now in trouble.
• The book alleges that Dutch intelligence agencies hacked Kushner’s iPhone in 2017, revealing access to bank accounts linked to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• According to Vanity Fair, the book claims Kushner had access to over $2 billion in funds from Gulf leaders, including a $750 million transfer to an account in the UAE and $1 billion to Israel’s Central Bank.
• Kushner and the White House have dismissed the claims as 'insane' and 'fiction,' demanding verifiable evidence such as bank statements or wire transfer records.

Background

This incident follows the publication of a Vanity Fair excerpt from Matthew Cole’s book on October 22, 2026, which detailed allegations of secret financial arrangements between Jared Kushner and Gulf leaders. Previous coverage noted Kushner’s threats of legal action against the publisher and author, as well as White House communications director Steven Cheung’s dismissal of the story as 'complete fiction.' The allegations have also intersected with broader political tensions, including protests in Albania over a Kushner-linked resort project, though the current focus remains on the financial and diplomatic claims in the US.

How outlets are covering it

TheWrap reported on the live reaction of Jon Stewart and the content of the interview, highlighting Stewart’s skepticism and Cole’s confidence. Vanity Fair provided the detailed allegations, including the role of Dutch intelligence and specific bank accounts, while CBS News focused on Kushner’s denial and the White House’s response. The sources differ in emphasis: TheWrap and Vanity Fair highlight the narrative of the book and the interview dynamics, while CBS News emphasizes the legal and political pushback from Kushner’s camp. All sources agree on the core allegations and the denials, but vary in their presentation of the evidence and the reactions to it.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights ongoing scrutiny of Jared Kushner’s role in US foreign policy and potential conflicts of interest. The allegations of secret financial ties with Gulf leaders could have significant implications for US-Middle East relations and the integrity of US diplomatic processes. The public debate over the validity of the claims, as seen in the Daily Show interview and media coverage, reflects broader concerns about transparency and accountability in government.

What to watch

The legal battle between Matthew Cole and Jared Kushner is expected to continue, with Kushner’s attorney threatening to pursue legal action. The full book is set to be released, which may provide additional details and evidence. The White House and Kushner’s camp will likely continue to dismiss the allegations as false, while Cole and his supporters will maintain the credibility of their investigation. The public and media will continue to monitor the situation for any new developments or evidence that could substantiate or refute the claims.