Trump’s son-in-law named key advisor Kushner to sell some of his real estate holdings, assets

Washington, Jan. 10: US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday appointed his 35-year-old son-in-law Jared Kushner as his senior advisor that would make him one of the most powerful individuals in the incoming White House team, prompting Democrats to immediately call for a review of the move, citing nepotism laws and potential conflicts.

Mr Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, is a property developer with a wide range of business interests. He had played a key role in the presidential campaign and his new White House job will cover both domestic and foreign policy.

“Kushner has been a tremendous asset and trusted advisor throughout the campaign and transition and I am proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration,” Mr Trump said in a statement.

The Trump transition team said Mr Kushner will forego his salary while serving in the administration. It said there is no legal problem with having Mr Kushner serve in the White House because an anti-nepotism law enacted in 1967 does not apply to the president’s staff.

Mr Kushner’s appointment would put him in position to exert broad sway over both domestic and foreign policy, particularly Middle East issues and trade negotiations. He plans to resign from the management positions he holds at his companies.

Meanwhile, Mr Kushner’s wife, Ivanka Trump, will step down from the Trump Organisation and her own label, US media reported. They suggest an effort by Ivanka, to comply with ethics laws. The couple will move from New York to Washington, reportedly to a new home in an upscale suburb, but US media do not expect Ivanka to take on a formal job at the moment.